Agencies across Cumbria are issuing early advice to keep people safe ahead of an amber weather warning issued for the entire county, which comes into effect on Sunday.

Early predictions suggest there may be highway disruption, possible power outages and potential flooding as a result of Storm Isha.

The storm is expected to bring a spell of very strong winds during Sunday evening into Monday.

A multi-agency response is being prepared and Cumbria Local Resilience Forum has met to ensure any response is coordinated so communities can access any help and support they need.

Among the hazards expected are strong winds, with gusts expected to range to up to 70mph along coasts. Inland areas could potentially affected by wind speeds of up to 65mph.

This could cause airborne debris and fallen trees, highway disruption and may pose a potential hazard to pedestrians, motorists and stationary vehicles.

Spells of moderate to heavy rain will add to challenging travel conditions and pose a flood risk.

At this stage, residents are asked to plan ahead and:

• Secure any loose items around your home and garden, such as rubbish bins, trampolines, plant pots and garden furniture, to minimise the risk of floating debris and damage.
• Speak in advance to vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours – advise them and ensure they are prepared in case of power outages.
• Check your torch batteries, radio and try to ensure phones are charged up in advance of the affected times.
• Park vehicles in a garage if available – otherwise keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls and fences if possible.
• Be aware of the weather warning and avoid planning travel during this time if possible.
• If you must travel during this time do so with caution – pack your car with essentials, plan your route and listen to travel updates.
• Stay clear of coastal areas during the affected times.
• Stay away from the fells well in advance of the affected times to keep you and mountain rescue volunteers safe.
• Do not drive through flood water if coming across flooding – take an alternative route.
• Do not touch any telephone or electrical cables that may have blown down.

Chief Superintendent Carl Patrick, of Cumbria Police, said: “At this stage we would ask people to prepare and follow the advice being given to minimise the impact of this storm.

“The public can be reassured that all agencies are working together to ensure our communities have access to the help and support they may need.

“But we would ask them to make themselves aware of the key contacts and ensure any vulnerable people within our communities are also aware and prepared.”

For the latest information and updates follow:

• Cumbria police on twitter/X @CumbriaPolice or on Facebook here
• Cumberland Council Twitter/x at @CumberlandCoun and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CumberlandCouncil1
• Westmorland and Furness Highways Twitter/X at:https://twitter.com/WandFHighways and Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/WestmorlandFurnessCouncil/

To report any issues – or if you need help for yourself or someone vulnerable – please see the following agencies’ contact details.

– Electricity North West can be contacted on 105 for power cuts, but please only call if your query is urgent to help prioritise customers in the most vulnerable circumstances. For more information, please visit www.enwl.co.uk.

– For water supply issues contact United Utilities on 0345 672 3723

– Problems with the roads in Cumberland can be reported to Cumberland Council via the council’s website www.cumberland.gov.uk or, in an emergency, on the Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3736. 

– For Westmorland and Furness, report highways emergencies that require immediate attention such as a fallen tree or flooding to the authority’s Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3306. For less serious issues, complete the highways online reporting form found at westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.

– Keep up-to-date with the weather at www.metoffice.gov.uk

– For latest traffic and roads information visit: Traffic – Cumbria Constabulary

– Contact www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it  or call 101 if you have concerns about your own safety and wellbeing, or the safety and wellbeing of someone you know. If there is an immediate risk to life call 999.