Storm Eunice: the latest updates for Cumbria
Last updated 18th Feb 2022
Millions of people in the UK are bracing for "dangerous conditions" as winds from the second storm in a week prompted two rare red weather warnings for much of the south of England and part of Wales.
The second rare highest alert - meaning a high impact is very likely - was issued to run from 10am until 3pm over the East of England on Friday due to fears of Storm Eunice "causing significant disruption and dangerous conditions due to extremely strong winds" up to 90mph, the Met Office said.
It shouldn't be so bad up here in Lancashire but we're still being urged to take care today as the Met Office has issued an amber warning for wind which warns of a danger to life from flying debris.
Flood alerts are in place in Cumbria
The Environment Agency has issued 10 severe flood warnings across the UK, meaning there is a danger to life.
We've got some flood alerts still in place along the coast from Silloth to St Bees and then all the way up to Gretna too.
They Environment Agency says the effects of the spring tides is expected to intensify the effects of Storm Eunice when we reach high tide at midday today, which will be higher than normal.
It's expected the large waves and spray are what's likely to cause the flooding.
They're urging people to stay away from beaches, promenades and coastal footpaths and roads.
Disruption to rail
Rail passengers are being warned of further travel disruption today and being advised to travel only if absolutely necessary.
Train lines like Northern, ScotRail, Merseyrail and TransPennine Express are running reduced services as gusts are expected to get stronger throughout the day.
In the aftermath of Storm Dudley, Network Rail engineers worked to clear trees and debris from railway lines on the West Coast main line and other key North West rail routes.
Trees were brought down in multiple locations including Penrith in Cumbria, Garstang in Lancashire, Levenshulme in Manchester, and Styal in Cheshire.
Network Rail will impose blanket safety speed restrictions – 50mph in most places – on the main rail lines across the country, with winds set to reach as high as 90mph in some areas.
Meanwhile in Wales all services will be suspended on Friday because of the storm's expected severity.
6.45am
There is no service on Northern between Carlisle and Skipton due to the impact of sort Eunice and no replacement transport is available.
7.39am
The Cobra emergency committee met on Thursday "to discuss the response to Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice" and to plan for power cuts, the Government said, while Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the Army is on standby to help those affected by Storm Eunice.
8.05am
Attractions across the country have closed for the day, including the London Eye, Legoland and Warwick Castle in the south.
Up here, places like Whinlatter Forest near Keswick have also taken the decision to close for visitors today.
9.00am
Carlisle City Council is urging anyone who is having to brave the elements to watch out for flying debris and to be wary around trees.
In the last storm, Storm Malik, a woman from Aberdeen was killed by a fallen tree while a 9-year-old boy was also killed due to the strong winds causing trees to uproot.
9.04am
The Government's Cobra civil contingencies committee is to meet this afternoon to discuss the response to Storm Eunice, a Government spokesman has said.
The meeting will be chaired by Cabinet Office minister Michael Ellis.
10.27am
Network Rail in Scotland are out contending with the snow!
They're using de-icer as snow can get wedged between moving parts of the track, jamming them. They also used heated strips to help this!
12.02pm
The Met Office have recorded what could be the highest gust ever recorded in England - 122mph!
1.06pm
It doesn't look like the bad weather will be coming to an end any time soon.
After Storm Eunice, her sibling Franklin is on the way.
It's bringing a yellow warning for rain for Cumbria on Sunday (18th February) and Electricity North West say they're preparing for it.
1.31pm
Network Rail for Lancashire and Cumbria are asking people to be safe, patient and kind today following disruptions across the lines following Storm Eunice.
2.11pm
It's been reported that homes in the postcode region of CA7 have been affected by power cuts.
Electricity North West are asking people to message them on Twitter to receive updates.
2.46pm
Trains between Sellafield and Bootle are facing problems due to Storm Eunice. Network Rail are requesting people to only travel if absolutely necessary.
3.06pm
Carlisle City Council are asking people that are planning to visit the Lake District this weekend to take extra precautions.
It's reported some trees have become unstable so visitors are being advised to not walk under any disturbed trees.
3.57pm
Avanti West Coast have cancelled all of their trains for the rest of the day.
People are being told they can use today's ticket on Saturday, Sunday or Monday.