Emergency services are on major incident standby as an amber weather warning is set to come into effect.
The Met Office has issued the warning for wind from 6pm today, Sunday, and a yellow weather warning for rain across Cumbria.
It said: “Very strong south westerly winds will develop widely across Northern Ireland, western parts of England, Wales and the southern half of Scotland during Sunday evening. Gusts will frequently reach 50-60mph, perhaps 70mph at times in a few locations and, along exposed coastal stretches, 80mph is possible at times.
“During the early hours of Monday winds will turn westerly and affect a wider area of southern Scotland and northern England, before easing through the morning.”
People are urged not to travel unless absolutely necessary.
Cumbria Resilience Forum said: “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.”
It said 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 co-ordinated and highways crews have increased resources across the area and they have teams on standby ready to respond to expected disruptions.
Flood alerts and warnings
Flood warning – meaning flooding is expected
- Keswick Campsite
Flood alerts, which means flooding is possible
- Lower River Eden
- Lower River Lune and Conder
- Rivers Brathay, Rothay and Winster
- Rivers Caldew and Petteril
- Rivers Cocker, Marron and Derwent
- River Greta, St John’s Beck and Bassenthwaite Lake
- Rivers Kent and Bela
- Rivers Lowther and Eamont
- Upper River Aire catchment area
- Upper River Derwent, Stonethwaite Beck and Derwentwater
- Upper River Eden
- Upper River Lune
- Upper River Ribble, Hodder
- Upper River Swale
- Upper River Tees
- Upper River Ure
- Upper River Wharfe
Power cuts
Engineers from Electricity North West are also on standby to respond as the strong winds have the potential to cause increased risk of damage to buildings and the power network.
However, the firm said, it wanted to warn its customers that conditions at times may be unsafe for lines teams to climb and in some instances, power may well be off overnight and into Monday until conditions ease.
- 434 properties in Woodside, between Wigton and Dalston, are without power, but Electricity North West aims to have it restored by 6pm today.
- 794 properties in Millom are affected and should have electricity restored by 5.30pm.
- 81 properties in Holme St Cuthbert are affected and should have electricity restored by 5.52pm.
Roads
Drivers are advised to take care on the roads. Cumbria police said: “Always drive to the road and weather conditions.”
It issued extra advice:
- If you must travel during this time do so with caution – pack your car with essentials, plan your route and listen to travel updates.
- Stay clear of coastal areas during the affected times.
- Do not drive through flood water if coming across flooding – take an alternative route.
Cocker Bridge in Cockermouth is closing from 6pm today. Traffic is currently controlled by temporary traffic lights. The nearby Old Courthouse partially collapsed in October and the bridge is being closed as a precautionary measure.
It is due to reopen at 7am tomorrow, Monday January 22.
The A66 between Penrith and Scotch Corner will be closed to high-sided vehicles today from 7pm until 3am tomorrow, Monday January 22.
Public transport
And TransPennine Express has issued do not travel advice for people wanting to go to Edinburgh or Glasgow.
The firm said it strongly advised people delay their journeys due to significant disruption expected by Storm Isha.
We will be here to provide updates as the storm arrives.
