Numerous severe weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office for persistent rain through the weekend and into the start of next week. An Amber warning for rain has been issued for parts of Cumbria, with potentially over 200mm of rain over 48 hours. The warnings come into effect from 6pm tonight (Saturday 13th December) evening through until 6pm Monday evening.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Rebekah Hicks said: “The northwest of the UK is set for a very wet weekend, with persistent and heavy rain accompanied by strong winds. Rain will move in through Saturday morning and become established and slow-moving across central and northwest parts of the UK through the weekend.
“We have issued numerous severe weather warnings for rain, and it is possible that these could be updated so I’d advise people to keep an eye on the forecast and for Met Office weather warnings.”
Jonathan Day, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said: “Significant surface water flooding impacts are possible in parts of the North of England on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. There are also possible significant river flooding impacts in parts of the North of England on Sunday and Monday, with minor flooding impacts possible more widely across northern England over the weekend.
"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.
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, this weekend.
“We’re co-ordinating 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.”
Westmorland and Furness Council said they “have highways teams ready to respond to the forecast heavy rainfall and potential flooding.”
“With the ground already saturated from recent rainfall, we are expecting some localised flooding and surface water.”
“Gulley wagons will be deployed across the area to tackle any highways flooding or standing water issues. Additional staff will be available to provide further support.
Our teams will continue to monitor conditions closely and respond where needed to keep our highways as safe and accessible as possible.”
Support for communities during flooding
Westmorland and Furness Council are reminding communities they no longer provides sandbags, it is the responsibility of homeowners to make their own preparations for potential flooding.
Rail passengers have been warned to check before travelling this weekend with extremely heavy rain expected.
Network Rail is working with train operating companies in the region to identify proactive measures which can be put in place to keep passengers safe during the extreme weather.
These measures will likely cause disruption to journeys and passengers are being urged to plan ahead.
Darren Miller, infrastructure director at Network Rail, said: "Our teams work hard alongside our train operator partners to prepare as much as possible for these extreme weather events, but passengers should be aware that this heavy rain could cause disruption.
"Please plan your journey in advance and make sure you will be able to reach your destination."
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