Ice and wind warnings have been issued for Cumbria as the bad weather continues.
Cumbria appears to have escaped the worst of Storm Eunice – but the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for ice until 9am today, Saturday February 19.
It says brisk northwesterly winds will continue to bring increasingly wintry showers across this area overnight on Friday and at first on Saturday.
Some snow is likely to accumulate over around 200m, but the wintry mix is more likely to bring a risk of icy roads and pavements, as surfaces left wet by showers (or hail/snow/slush) then fall below freezing. Most showers will ease by this morning.
Tomorrow sees a yellow weather warning for rain and wind, which it says is expected to lead to some disruption.
It says a band of heavy rain will affect parts of north West England tomorrow between midgnight and 6pm, and become slow-moving for a time, with some very heavy rain, especially over high ground.
The duration and intensity of the rainfall could bring widespread totals of 20 to 40mm, but some exposed sites may see 75 to 100mm on Sunday – however – this will fall on to already-saturated ground. The rain should clear south by Sunday evening.
Another spell of very strong winds is expected in parts of Northern Ireland, Scotland and also some Irish Sea coasts. Winds could gust to 50 to 60mph inland, and between 70 and 80mph for a time on the mountains and exposed coasts, with large waves expected as well.
The strong winds will be accompanied by heavy, frequent and increasingly wintry showers with blizzard conditions expected in the mountains, before conditions ease later on Monday.
It said the high winds were likely to ease by noon on Monday.
It is expected the area of low pressure forecast to reach the UK in the early hours of tomorrow will be called Storm Franklin, but it has not yet been officially named.
Flood warnings
A flood warning remains in place for the Cumbrian coastline from Silloth to St Bees, including Maryport, Flimby, Workington and Whitehaven.
The Environment Agency says: “The high tide at 12.20am was again higher than normal, due to Storm Eunice bringing storm force winds, large waves, and spray overtopping on the coast.
“Large waves and spray overtopping are forecast to cause flooding and damage along the coast at Maryport, Flimby, Workington and Whitehaven.
“Impacts are possible two hours either side of high tide forecast.
“We do not expect to see similar impacts for lunchtime’s high tide, but further unsettled weather is forecast and as a result we may issue further alerts and warnings.
“Our incident response staff are closing flood gates and checking defences. Stay away from beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads as large waves and sea spray could be dangerous.”
Nine flood alerts – meaning flooding is possible – remain in place for Cumbria at:
- Coast at Barrow in Furness
- Coast at Duddon estuary
- Coast at North Morecambe Bay
- Coast from Gretna to Silloth
- Coast from Silloth to St Bees
- Coast from St Bees Head to Millom
- Rivers Brathay, Rothay and Winster
- Upper River Aire catchment
- Upper River Derwent, Stonethwaite Beck and Derwentwater
Power
There are 132 properties in Windermere without power and Electricity North West estimates it will be restored at 4pm today.
- 6 properties in Irton, estimated time of restoration 3pm.
- 11 properties in Cumbria, estimated time of restoration 6pm
- 70 properties in Grange-over-Sands, estimated time of restoration 6pm.
- 29 properties in Millom, estimated time of restoration, 4pm.
Travel
Travel is still disrupted due to issues overnight.
Avanti West Coast has cancelled several services and others will not call at Preston today after high winds ripped some of the station’s roof off and forced its closure.
Train firm Northern is advising passengers to check before they travel. It said: “Bad weather will continue into the weekend with high winds and heavy rainfall across the Northern network and may cause disruption.
“Customers should expect delays and cancellations and are advised and to check before you travel.”
Stagecoach says buses are running normally.
Reports are that the A66 is clear.
