Cumbria braces for storm Jocelyn as major disruption is expected across the UK again for commuters as Storm Jocelyn hits just hours after Isha brought winds of up to 100mph.
There will be no train services in Scotland after 7pm as Jocelyn - which has already hit western parts of the UK - spreads north, where the Met Office has issued warnings for wind and rain.
Train operators have also urged passengers not to travel on affected routes between Glasgow and Preston.
Avanti West Coast called on customers to avoid going north of Preston after 3.30pm.
TransPennine Express, meanwhile, says it "strongly urges" dodging travel between England and Scotland after 3pm.
Drivers have also been advised to consider postponing journeys and avoid parking under trees, with the RAC warning of "very challenging" conditions, particularly in northern parts of the UK.
Yellow weather warnings for rain and wind covers Cumbria and much of the UK with an amber warning for part of Scotland is also in place.
Winds of 80mph could be experienced in exposed areas, with 40-50mm of rain possible over higher ground.
Met Office chief meteorologist Steve Willington said Storm Jocelyn, named by Met Eireann, could cause more disruption than Storm Isha.
"Although this system will be a step down relative to Storm Isha, with the damage and clean-up still under way, we could potentially see more impacts from Storm Jocelyn."
Chief Superintendent Carl Patrick, of Cumbria Constabulary, is chairing the Local Resilience Forum response to the weather events of recent days.
He said:
“The two storms combined – and the preparations leading up to them – have been going on for a number of days now. But we must stress the advice we have been giving out with the aim of keeping people safe is still as relevant now as ever, especially with the arrival of the latest warnings.
“What we would especially emphasise at this time is the need for the public to remember the vulnerable people in their communities. The agencies involved in this are aware of the vulnerable but we would urge anyone who has vulnerable friends, family or neighbours just to take time to check they are OK – and ask if they need anything. A friendly enquiry at this stage could help them if they are struggling and would also offer reassurance at a time that can be frightening for some. Please also advise them about the storm and the advice about keeping safe and being careful.
“We would ask people not to travel unless necessary during the storm. On Sunday, during the last storm, the impact on our roads could be clearly felt. At Cumbria Police we had nearly 120 reports of either road traffic collisions, highway disruptions or road-related offences – on an average day in January we get about 42. Our highways colleagues at both local councils also received more than 100 reports each as well.
“The weather is forecast to get progressively worse and stronger over the day and people should expect delays at the rush hour – and plan accordingly. Our advice would be: if you don’t have to travel, stay at home. If people are driving, please do so with care and always drive to the conditions. Please keep up to date with travel alerts and plan your route accordingly.
“The public can be reassured that our multi-agency response has been running for several days in preparation for this and all agencies continue to work together to protect our communities.
“We would just ask people to follow the advice, stay at home as much as possible and look after the vulnerable in your communities.”
Residents are still being asked to:
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 away from the fells well in advance of the affected times 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 affected times.
Park vehicles in a garage if available – otherwise keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls and fences if possible.
Be aware of the latest weather warnings and avoid planning travel during this time 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.
To report any issues - or if you need help for yourself or someone vulnerable - please see the following agencies’ updates and contact details.
Mark Garratt, Floody Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said: “Localised impacts from river flooding are probable on the lower parts of the River Eden in Cumbria today and in parts of North Yorkshire and the City of York today and tomorrow, following Storm Isha and with more rain forecast. Impacts from river and surface water flooding are also possible more widely across the North of England with further rainfall tomorrow falling on already saturated ground.”
"Environment Agency teams are out on the ground, taking action to reduce the impact of flooding and support those communities affected. We advise people to stay away from swollen rivers and urge people not to drive through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.
“People should check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation at https://www.gov.uk/check-flood-risk, call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 for the latest flood updates.”
The Penrith Town Team will bring all the latest information and updates throughout the night as Storm Jocelyn hits the area.
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