Flood alert levels downgraded for Cumbria

Flood alert levels have been downgraded across Cumbria as rainfall over the past 24 hour was significantly less than predicted.

The county has suffered minor disruption due to the weather conditions and the multi-agency response has been stood down.

Both Egremont and Kendal, the two areas that were most at risk, suffered minor disruption with a small number of evacuations from properties. Both have seen their flood warnings downgraded.

Rain is forecast throughout the day and river levels will remain high. The county's roads continue to be an area of concern due to surface water.

Assistant Chief Constable Darren Martland, Chair of the multi-agency group, said:

"We are pleased that the weather has caused less disruption than first predicted. We still have a number of areas suffering from localised flooding, however we are now in a position to reassure the public that the risk of severe flooding has dropped significantly.

"While the risk of flooding has been downgraded, a number of the county's roads are still of particular concern due to standing surface water."

Keith Ashcroft, of the Environment Agency, said:

“We are working closely with the Met Office and the Flood Forecasting Centre to predict likely totals and how that may affect river levels. We have seen over 200mm over the Western Fells in the last 24 hours with more heavy rainfall to come throughout today and into tonight. Flooding is still possible.

“We currently have 10 Flood Warnings and 14 Flood Alerts in force across Cumbria and Lancashire. With heavy rain predicted over the weekend there is potential for further warnings and alerts to be issued."