Agencies across Cumbria have this afternoon declared themselves on standby for a major incident ahead of an amber weather warning coming into effect for the entire county this evening.
The public are urged to continue to follow advice from agencies to keep themselves, their families and their communities safe, with the impact of Storm Isha already being felt – and the potential for damage, disruption and flooding to come.
This storm is already causing concern – and it is expected to bring even stronger winds from 6pm tonight until 6am tomorrow.
This new amber alert is preceded by yellow warnings for both wind and rain. The amber alert is effective from this evening until tomorrow morning and has the potential to impact travel during the rush hour tomorrow.
Preparations have been well underway for several days for this weather event, with the multi-agency response now being placed on a higher official footing to ensure public safety.
Storm Isha could in Cumbria lead to:
- Winds of up to 80mph, with these highest speeds most likely around the coast.
- Road and rail disruption.
- Power outages.
- The potential for trees falling.
- Disruption to the roads and closures of some routes.
- The potential for structural damage to buildings.
There are also a number of flood alerts currently in place and one food warning – at Keswick Campsite.
Of particular concern at the moment in terms of potential flooding later tonight and overnight is the Sands area at Appleby.
A specific multi-agency response to this area is being coordinated.
Highways crews have increased resources across the area and they have teams on standby ready to respond to expected disruptions.
Cumberland Council has also taken the precautionary step to temporarily close Cocker Bridge in Cockermouth for both vehicles and pedestrians.
The closure will be in place from 6pm today and is expected to reopen by 7am tomorrow morning, weather dependent.
There will be restrictions on high-sided vehicles on the A66 between Scotch Corner and junction 40 of the M6 from 7pm tonight until 3am tomorrow.
Chief Superintendent Carl Patrick, of Cumbria Constabulary, is chairing the Local Resilience Forum response.
He said: “The public can be reassured that our multi-agency response is well underway.
“All agencies are working together to protect our communities.
“But there is the potential for some significant damage and disruption as this storm continues through the night and into tomorrow.
“We would ask everyone to follow the advice we have been issuing to the public on social media and in the media over the last two days to keep themselves and their families and communities safe.
“We would also ask everyone to make themselves aware of the key contacts they might need and ensure any vulnerable people within our communities are aware and prepared.”
Residents are asked to:
- Not travel unless necessary.
- Secure any loose items around your home and garden, such as rubbish bins, trampolines, plant pots and garden furniture, to minimise the risk of floating debris and damage.
- Speak to vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours – advise them and ensure they are prepared in case of power outages.
- Stay clear of coastal areas during the affected times.
- Stay away from the fells to keep you and mountain rescue volunteers safe.
- Do not drive through flood water if coming across flooding – take an alternative route.
- Check your torch batteries, radio and try to ensure phones are charged up in advance of the worst-affected times.
- Park vehicles in a garage if available – otherwise keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls and fences if possible.
- If you must travel during this time do so with caution – pack your car with essentials, plan your route and listen to travel updates.
- Do not touch any telephone or electrical cables that may have blown down.
- Be aware your journey to work or school tomorrow may be impacted.
To report any issues - or if you need help for yourself or someone vulnerable - please see the following agencies’ contact details.
- Electricity North West can be contacted on 105 for power cuts, but please only call if your query is urgent to help prioritise customers in the most vulnerable circumstances. For more information, please visit Electricity North West (enwl.co.uk).
- For water supply issues contact United Utilities on 0345 672 3723.
- Problems with the roads in Cumberland can be reported to Cumberland Council via the council's website Welcome to Cumberland | Cumberland Council or, in an emergency, on the Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3736.
- For Westmorland and Furness, report highways emergencies that require immediate attention such as a fallen tree or flooding to the authority’s Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3306. For less serious issues, complete the highways online reporting form found at Welcome to Westmorland and Furness | Westmorland and Furness Council.
- Keep up-to-date with the weather at Weather and climate change - Met Office.
- Check for flooding at: Check for flooding - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
- For latest traffic and roads information visit: Traffic - Cumbria Constabulary.
- Contact Report a crime | Cumbria Police or call 101 if you have concerns about your own safety and wellbeing, or the safety and wellbeing of someone you know. If there is an immediate risk to life call 999.
For the latest information and updates follow:
- Cumbria Police on twitter/X @CumbriaPolice or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/cumbriapolice.
- Cumberland Council Twitter/x at @CumberlandCoun and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CumberlandCouncil1
- Westmorland and Furness Highways Twitter/X at: https://twitter.com/WandFHighways and Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/WestmorlandFurnessCouncil/