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Source: ONE News
Warnings were issued across Scotland, northern England and Wales
as forecasters predicted further heavy downpours in the next few
days could cause serious flooding.
The Environment Agency put out warnings for 27 locations across
Britain, mostly in northwest England, while the Scottish
Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) issued 16.
Five areas in Cumbria and three in southern Scotland have serious
flood warnings - where there is extreme danger to life and
property.
"Much of the ground in Cumbria is totally saturated and persistent
heavy rain combined with full rivers means the risk of flooding is
extremely high," said Robert Runcie, Environment Agency Director of
Flood and Coastal Risk.
"Environment Agency teams are out on the ground monitoring river
levels, checking flood defences and clearing drains and culverts of
debris."
The agency said the towns of Cockermouth, Kendal and Keswick in
Cumbria were the greatest concern while temporary defence measures
had been erected in Carlisle.
"This spell of wet and windy weather comes hot on the heels of the
storm last weekend," said Met Office Chief Forecaster, Bob
Wilderspin.
"The rain will fall on areas that are already saturated and we are
working closely with agencies, local authorities and emergency
services to ensure they are prepared."
The Met Office said very heavy rain was expected to fall in
Cumbria, in western Scotland and north Wales, with 75 to 100 mm due
in these areas by Friday.
More than 200 mm could fall in higher ground in Cumbria, it
said.
Gales are also expected, with gusts of up to 70 mph, which could
bring coastal flooding to Cumbria and Dumfries and Galloway.
