Government coordinating with authorities in Cumbria in response to amber weather warning
The Met Office says further travel disruption and flooding is possible
The Floods Minister says the government is coordinating with local authorities in Cumbria, where there's the threat of flooding.
The county is partially covered by an amber weather warning, as heavy rain and windy conditions continues.
Some train services have been cancelled and drivers are being urged to only head out if absolutely necessary.
Yellow alerts are also covering parts of Scotland, Wales and north-west England.
Floods Minister Emma Hardy said:
"I’m in continual contact with the Environment Agency as heavy rainfall is forecast for parts of the north of England, especially Cumbria, today and on Monday.
“We’re coordinating with local authorities and emergency services to keep communities safe, and I thank them for their vital work.
“I urge people to follow local advice, sign up for flood warnings, and stay up to date with the latest information.
“To protect households across the country, this Government has delivered the largest-ever investment to maintain and repair defences and accelerate the construction of new flood schemes.”
Chief Superintendent Carl Patrick from Cumbria Police, who is chairing the Local Resilience Forum response, said:
“Agencies across Cumbria are continuing to closely monitor the potential impact of the heavy and prolonged rainfall which is forecast until tomorrow evening in Cumbria.
“It is highly likely that road conditions will be challenging later this evening and throughout the night and into tomorrow morning due to likely surface water flooding.
“We urge motorists to plan for any journey they need to make. Please travel with caution, slow down, and do not attempt to travel through flood water should you come across this on Cumbria’s road network.
“The Met Office’s weather warnings state that flooding is possible. Agencies are operating in areas which are at a higher risk, such as Cockermouth, and will be engaging directly and early with those communities who may be risk of flooding.”
Sarah Cook, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said:
“Environment Agency teams are out on the ground, taking action to reduce the impact of flooding and support those communities affected. We urge people not to drive though flood water – it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.
"People should search ‘check my flood risk’, get free flood warnings, and keep up to date with the latest situation at @EnvAgency on X.”