Agencies from across Cumbria co-ordinated efforts to support residents, communities and businesses affected by the weather, especially the most vulnerable.
Storm Jocelyn, which hit yesterday evening and overnight, brought more significant rainfall on top of already sodden ground following Storm Isha at the weekend, with several flood alerts and warnings issued and wind gusts of up to 77mph being recorded in the county, bringing down trees and affecting power supplies.
Highways teams are also still busy with the clear-up operations on the county’s road network, removing fallen trees and clearing flood debris, and extra resources are continuing to be deployed to this work by both Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness councils.
Chief Superintendent Carl Patrick, of Cumbria Constabulary, has been chairing the multi-agency Local Resilience Forum response to the weather events of recent days.
He said: “The worst of the weather appears to be receding – but we would continue to ask people to check on vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours to ensure they are OK following what has been several days of extreme weather.
“There are still some people without power. The multi-agency response to make sure they are safe and well and that their power is restored as soon as possible continues and agencies have continued to make calls and knock on doors to ensure the wellbeing of those affected.
“There are still some difficult road conditions, especially on minor roads, with reports of surface water and fallen trees.
“Our local authority highways teams have worked to respond to urgent calls on flooding, debris in road and fallen trees – as well as clear road closures on priority A and B routes to keep the network moving.
“We yesterday asked people not to travel unless necessary during the storm – and the initial information we have is the roads appeared to be quieter than usual.
“We’d like to thank people for listening to the advice and doing their bit to keep the roads as safe as possible.
“We’d also like to thank all those who have worked through these storms to minimise the effects and keep people safe.”
Residents are still being asked to:
- Speak to vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours and advise them who to contact, especially if they have suffered a power outage
- Do not drive through flood water if coming across flooding on the roads – take an alternative route
- Be aware that some roads, particularly minor roads, may be affected by fallen trees, standing water or debris
- Continue to be aware of the latest weather warnings
- Do not touch any telephone or electrical cables that may have blown down
To report any issues – or if you need help for yourself or someone vulnerable – please see the following agencies’ updates and contact details.
For the latest information and updates please 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/
ADDITIONAL SPECIFIC AGENCY UPDATES
Highways
Highways teams from both Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council continue to respond to calls of fallen trees, debris, flooding and other road related issues. Up to date information on any remaining road closures is being shared via social media.
Schools
A small number of schools have not opened today and this is mainly due to loss of power in certain areas. The latest school closures information is available via the Council’s websites (Cumberland.gov.uk or Westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk) or direct from your school.
Waste and recycling services
Following the ongoing severe weather roads continue to be affected by flooding and fallen trees. Highways teams have worked hard to keep most major roads open, however teams are still dealing with issues on many minor roads and expect more reports to come in today. Therefore residents are warned this may well cause disruption to our scheduled waste and recycling collections for the next couple of days. Both councils will work hard to try and minimise any impact and disruption.
Electricity North West
Key messages to customers:
- If you lose power, check for updates at www.enwl.co.uk/powercuts, or call for free on 105
- If you see damaged equipment stay well clear as it may still be live, and call Electricity North West immediately on 105 who will make it safe. If there is danger to life, call 999.
- If you have medical needs or need additional support in a power cut, join Electricity North West’s free extra care register. Go to www.enwl.co.uk/extracare or call 105.
Check social channels for more information:
- twitter.com/electricitynw
- www.facebook.com/ElectricityNorthWest
- www.linkedin.com/company/electricity-north-west/
Trading standards
BE WARY OF ROGUE TRADERS OFFERING TO REPAIR STORM DAMAGE
We would like to remind residents looking to have Storm Isha or Storm Jocelyn damage repaired not to accept work from cold callers on the doorstep.
Sadly, major weather events can cause an increase in rogue traders looking for opportunities to make extra money.
Our advice is to always:
– Get a quote in writing
– Check reviews / word of mouth
– Say “No” to cold callers
Report cold callers to us on 0808 223 1133
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Trust
Our A&E departments are under increased pressure with long waits for non-urgent issues. The public can help by going to 111 online or calling 111 to access the best advice.
For urgent but none life threatening conditions you can go to our Urgent Treatment Centres at Keswick or Penrith. These are open to everyone. If you have an NHS appointment please do attend and if you are not able to attend please call us to reschedule. If you have an urgent life threatening issue please call 999 immediately.
University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust
UHMBT currently has a high number of sick patients in their Emergency Departments and are doing everything they can to see and treat patients as quickly as possible but some people may face a long wait.
You can help by making sure you go to the most appropriate place for your health needs. The best thing to do is use NHS 111 online as the first port of call for any urgent health needs and continuing to only use 999 or attend the ED if it is a life-threatening emergency.
NHS 111 online can help if you are not sure what service you might need. If urgent care is not right for your problem you will be offered alternative services.
Key Contacts
Water -For water supply issues contact United Utilities on 0345 672 3723
Roads – 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.
Weather – Keep up-to-date with the weather at www.metoffice.gov.uk
Traffic and travel – For latest traffic and roads information visit: Traffic – Cumbria Constabulary
To report a flooding incident – Flooding of property can be reported by email to LLFA@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk [or use online form: Report a flooded property | Westmorland and Furness Council]
LFRM@cumberland.gov.uk [or use online form Report a flooded property | Cumberland Council]
Or alternatively call the EA Incident Hotline on 0800 807060
Safety and Wellbeing – 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.
