Major incident declared as heavy snow falls in Cumbria
Police are urging the public not to travel unless absolutely necessary
Last updated 2nd Dec 2023
A major incident has been declared in Cumbria, as heavy snowfall causes chaos on roads across the county.
The Met Office earlier announced an Amber Warning for snow across much of the county.
Agencies are aware of multiple reports of vehicles stuck in traffic in the South Lakes area, particularly in the Bowness and Grizedale areas, due to snow.
Extensive efforts are being made by Highways teams from Cumberland Council and Westmorland & Furness Council , who have been working through the night and all of today to clear priority routes so those impacted can be supported.
Police are urging the public to only travel where necessary, particularly those considering travelling in the South Lakes and Millom areas. Due to the current and forecasted low temperatures, road conditions will remain challenging.
An emergency rest centre has been set up for stranded drivers in Ambleside:
South Lakes Police said in a statement:
"We have opened the parish centre as an emergency refuge space.
"If you are within walking distance, the hall is open and provisions are available.
"There is little to no accommodation in the town - we are aware of this. If you cannot source accommodation, please come to the parish centre.
"Please DO NOT attend in your vehicle. Leave this in a safe position and head to: We have opened the parish centre as an emergency refuge space.
If you are within walking distance, the hall is open and provisions are available.
There is little to no accommodation in the town - we are aware of this. If you cannot source accommodation, please come to the parish centre.
Please DO NOT attend in your vehicle. Leave this in a safe position and head to;
The Parish Centre, Vicarage Road, Ambleside LA22 9DH
Superintendent Andy Wilkinson. Cumbria Constabulary, said:
“Agencies across Cumbria are working together in response to the impact that heavy snowfall is continuing to have on the county’s roads.
“We are working at pace, to help clear roads so those currently affected can get moving.
“I would urge anybody considering travelling in Cumbria tonight, to only do so if necessary. The cold temperatures forecast will make road conditions even more difficult.”
An amber warning, which came into effect earlier this afternoon, for snow covering large sections of south and west Cumbria remains in place until midnight.
A yellow weather warning covering most of the county is also in place for snow and ice until midnight. An additional yellow weather warning is also in place from midnight until 11am tomorrow morning, covering most of the county.
The following roads are currently impacted by the weather conditions.
• A591 Kendal – queuing traffic between the A5284 Windermere Road to Wythburn.
• A591 at Newby Bridge – queuing traffic between Newby Bridge and Windermere
• A591 Lake Road – queueing traffic between Skelwith bridge and Ambleside.
• A595 Kirkby-in-Furness – queuing traffic between Kirkby-in-Furness and Grizebeck.
• A6 Wickersgill - queueing traffic between Wickersgill to Garth Row.
• B5286 Clappersgate – queuing traffic between Clappersgate and Hawkshead
• Harras Road in Whitehaven – queuing traffic between York Terrace and Red Lonning.
• Woodhouse Road in Whitehaven – queuing traffic between the B5345 St Bees Road and Fell View Avenue.
For the latest information the county’s roads, please visit the traffic map: Traffic - Cumbria Constabulary.