Severe weather warning latest for ITV Border area

Heavy snowfall over Carter Bar on Wednesday night left 100 cars stranded in drifts on both sides of the border. Border Search and Rescue Unit were called out along with neighbouring Tweed Valley and teams from Northumberland to work with police in rescuing people.

In an operation lasting until the early hours, cars and lorries were towed back to clear road and to continue their journey from the border crossing on the A68.

Up to 100 vehicles were trapped in snow for three hours at Carter Bar. Four crews from Border Search and Rescue were at the scene and freed the vehicles. Everyone is now safe.

Our weather bomb didn't go off quite as badly as further north in Scotland but that's not to say it's not been horrendous weather all day for many of us.

We've had everything from storm force winds to heavy showers and this evening some snow.

Transport in the region has seen cancellations and delays on trains, buses and ferries.

Our reporter Matthew Taylor tells us more:

The Met Office have issued a yellow warning of snow and ice for Friday.

There may be heavy snow of 2-5 cm at low levels in the region. On the peaks there could be between 10 -20 cms.

A weather system will bring rain to many areas which could turn to snow before it moves over to the North East of the country.

There is also a widespread risk of ice on unsalted surfaces. Motorists are advised that this is likely to be the case during rush hour.

The warning is valid from 12.10am on Friday to 10am.

Fierce winds in the Lake District have forced the flow of a waterfall upwards.

The scene at Stainmore, near Kirkby Stephen, is one of the prettier as the Atlantic 'storm bomb' batters the north west of England.

The severe weather has caused flood alerts and some disruption to transport.

The engineers have now restored power to customers in Pooley Bridge near Penrith and Longtown.

Hundreds of customers were without power was due to damaged lines both from fallen trees.

Electricity North West have reported 385 customers without power in Maryport due to a tree on an overhead power line. Engineers are on their way to repair the damage.

Engineers are currently working to restore power to 111 homes in the Penrith area after a tree fell on an power cable.

Electricity North West could not confirm when it would be restored but engineers are currently working on the problem which has affected homes since 10.12am.

17 homes in the Longtown area have also been affected by a tree falling are still without power.

More than 100 properties in a number of areas were hit by a blackout last night. But this morning all but the 17 in Longtown had their electricity supplies reconnected.

Engineers worked on faults in Lazonby, Brampton and Longtown throughout yesterday evening.

Following ferry cancellations with Stena Line this morning, they have issued this statement:

The environment agency have issued flood warnings as the county braces itself for stormy weather:

• River Eden and its tributaries from its confluence with the River Irthing through Crosby-on-Eden and Carlisle to the Solway Firth at Rockcliffe
• Coast from Silloth to St Bees

Speed restrictions have been put in place on trains and a flood alert has been issued for parts of Cumbria.

People could face delays of about 20 minutes this morning as trains travelling along the Barrow-Carlisle coast line are restricted to 50mph due to high winds, these are expected to last until tomorrow. A yellow warning of wind is still in place.

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for areas around the River Eden and River Irthing. Crosby-on-Eden and Carlisle to the Solway Firth at Rockcliffe could be affected.

The A66 is now open in both directions to all vehicles from Penrith to Scotch Corner in Durham. Yesterday high-sided vehicles were restricted from the route. Police say there is a chance the restriction could be put in place again over the next couple of days.

Potentially severe gales are also forecast to develop tomorrow night and last much of Friday. They may be accompanied by a band of heavy rain, with snow on northern hills.

There is again the possibility of some disruption to traffic and power supplies.