Cumbria set to see heavy and persistent rainfall amid yellow weather warning
Cumbria Police and agencies have declared themselves on major incident standby
Flooding and heavy rain could cause travel chaos in parts of the UK this weekend, and forecasters have warned of the potential "threats to life" from fast-flowing rivers.
Cumbria is expected to be the worst affected area, where the Met Office said more than 200mm of rain "could accumulate in places during this 48-hour period".
The Met Office has issued an amber rain warning from 6am Sunday to 6pm Monday for central and western Lake District areas and West Cumbria, alongside a yellow warning for the entire county.
Network Rail said passengers in Cumbria and Lancashire are advised to expect disruption on Sunday as heavy rain and strong winds hit the region. To ensure safety, trains will run at reduced speeds, and several lines—including Carlisle–Carnforth, Oxenholme–Windermere, and Barrow–Lancaster—will not operate from Sunday morning until 18:00 Monday. No rail replacement services will be provided.
Agencies across Cumbria have also declared themselves on major incident standby due to forecasted heavy and persistent rainfall.
The washout will likely lead to power cuts, floodwater, and travel delays, the forecaster warned.
Rain is due to develop across western Scotland by late Saturday morning and gusts of 60-70mph are possible along coastal areas.
Local businesses in the area have raised concerns on what the weather warning will mean for their trade. Many experienced the battering of Storm Desmond in 2015, so worry floods this time around will do further damage.
Deborah Devereux owns Café HNW in Keswick- where the building was submerged under 1.7m of rainwater during the storm 10 years ago.
After refurbishing her café last winter, she's worried about the potential damage that her business could face as a result of the weather. Deborah said:
"We've put a lot of money into the business over the last year and if the water comes in, it's going to do a lot of damage."
Met Office chief meteorologist Rebekah Hicks said: "We have issued numerous severe weather warnings for rain, and it is possible that these could be upgraded so I'd advise people to keep an eye on the forecast and for Met Office weather warnings."
Jonathan Day, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, said: "Significant surface water flooding impacts are possible in parts of the north of England on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
"There are also possible significant river flooding impacts in parts of the north of England on Sunday and Monday, with minor flooding impacts possible more widely across northern England over the weekend."
Floods minister Emma Hardy said: "I'm in continual contact with the Environment Agency as heavy rainfall is forecast for parts of the north of England, especially Cumbria, this weekend.
"We're co-ordinating with local authorities and emergency services to keep communities safe, and I thank them for their vital work.
Cumbria Police's advice to residents:
- Consider travel plans carefully and allow extra time; avoid driving through flood water.
- Check on vulnerable relatives, friends, and neighbours.
- Ensure torches, radios, and phones are charged.