A flood warning and three alerts are in force in Cumbria as the county braces for two storms.
The Environment Agency has issued a flood warning for Keswick Campsite and flood alerts for the Coast from St Bees Head to Millom, Rivers Brathay, Rothay and Winster and Upper River Derwent, Stonethwaite Beck and Derwentwater.
Keswick Campsite
“The level of Derwentwater has fallen but remains high following recent heavy rainfall. Consequently, flooding is expected to continue to affect low lying areas bordering the shores of Derwentwater and the lake frontage of the Keswick Camping and Caravan Club Site into today.
“Flooding of properties is not expected through the campsite itself remains closed. A band of rain that came in overnight has cleared but we expect the level of Derwentwater to rise again in response to further rain forecast, which is associated with Met Office named Storms Dudley during today and Storm Eunice on Friday.
“We are closely monitoring the situation. The Lodore Lake Level recording gauge has been repaired and is working normally. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near Derwentwater and local watercourses, which may be flooded and avoid driving through floodwater.”
Coast from St Bees Head to Millom
“This Flood Alert has been issued due to the high tide forecast at 11.30am today, with impacts possible two hours before and after this time. Storm Dudley is forecast to bring strong winds, large waves and spray overtopping on the coast.
“Waves are forecast to overtop coastal defences at Braystones Beach and the area near Braystones, Nethertown and Coulderton along the foreshore may be affected. We expect Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice to affect the coast over the next few days, and with increasing spring tides the effects are predicted to intensify.
“Tonight’s high tide is also expected to require a flood alert, and we are likely to issue further alerts and warnings over the next 3-4 days, depending on the path of the next storm. We will continue to monitor levels closely and our incident support staff will be out checking defences and closing gates where necessary. Please be careful along beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads as large waves and sea spray could be dangerous.”
Rivers Brathay, Rothay and Winster
“River levels have responded again to overnight rainfall upstream of Windermere on the Rivers Brathay, Rothay and their tributaries and are likely to respond again to further rainfall over this afternoon. Levels on Windermere and the River Leven remain high and Newby Bridge Sluices remain open.
“Areas most at risk include low lying areas around Grasmere, Rydal, Ambleside, Windermere, Newby Bridge, Backbarrow, Cark and Cartmel. More rain is expected today through this afternoon associated with named storm Dudley and further rain is forecast on Friday with the onset of Storm Eunice.
“River and lake levels are expected to remain high over the next few days. We do not expect flooding to properties. Avoid using low-lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through floodwater. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and our teams have been out checking watercourses for blockages and clearing debris screens.”
Upper River Derwent, Stonethwaite Beck and Derwentwater
“River levels have shown some response to overnight rainfall on the Upper River Derwent and Stonethwaite Beck and the level of Derwentwater remains high following heavy rainfall over the last few days. A flood warning still remains in force for low-lying areas bordering the shores of Derwentwater and lake frontage areas of the Keswick Camping and Caravan Club Site.
“Today, Wednesday, more rain is expected through this afternoon associated with named storm Dudley and further rain is forecast on Friday with the onset of Storm Eunice. River and lake levels are expected to remain high over the next few days. We do not expect flooding to properties.
“Avoid using low-lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through floodwater. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and our teams have been out checking watercourses for blockages and clearing debris screens.”
