Flood warnings are currently in force in Cumbria as heavy rain continues within the northwest of England, southwest Scotland and Wales
Nine flood warnings within Cumbria, meaning that immediate action is required, are in force as the Fire Service is warning people not to drive on any submerged roads.
Flood warnings are currently in force in Cumbria as heavy rain continues within the northwest of England, southwest Scotland and Wales.
Thirteen inches of rain (332mm) have been recorded at Honister Pass in the Lake District in the last 32 hours, and 10.7 inches (271mm) at Seathwaite, said the Environment Agency.
This comes after the UK strategy to reach net-zero emissions by the year 2050 is achievable and affordable, according to the government’s official climate advisers. The Climate Change Committee has said that the plan was the most comprehensive in the G20 and had strengthened the position of the UK as it prepares to preside over the Cop26 climate summit.
An amber Met Office warning for rain, indicating the potential risk to both life and property, travel disruption and power cuts, is in force for much of Cumbria on Thursday.
“In a 24-hour period you could see a month’s worth of rain,” said Met Office meteorologist Annie Shuttleworth on Wednesday night.
A less serious yellow rain warning has been extended into Lancashire, parts of Yorkshire, southern Scotland, and most Wales.
On Thursday morning, nine “immediate action” flood warnings were in Cumbria in areas such as the Keswick campsite and the River Ehen at Low Mill, as well as the River Cocker at Southwaite Bridge.
There were also 16 less severe flood alerts that have been issued by the Environment Agency.
Pictures on social media have showen submerged roads in Cumbria, with one image showing cars stuck at Windermere School.
A video by the flood risk analyst Dr Ed Henderson has also shown terrible driving conditions, as well as submerged roads yesterday within Borrowdale.
In Kendal, a Press Association photographer, Owen Humphreys, had tweeted that the River Kent was a “torrent of water” but that it had not yet burst its banks and flooded.
This comes after a living wage increase from £8.91 to £9.50 an hour is to be announced in Wednesday’s budget. By lifting the national living wage to £9.50 an hour, this brings it to the real living costs of those living outside of London, according to an independent campaign group.
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service have warned that people should not to try to drive through floodwater as just six inches of rainwater can float some small cars.
“DON’T enter flood water it’s not only your life you are gambling with,” said Brian Steadman, Cumbria’s deputy chief fire officer.
Crews have already been already having to help vehicles that were stuck within the floodwater on Thursday, said Mr Steadman.
The rain is expected to continue on Friday but should ease slightly in the North West.
