Thursday 2 January 2014

People are advised to be prepared for potential weather disruption

Cumbria Police, along with partner agencies, are warning communities of the potential for disruption tomorrow and into the weekend due to high winds and tidal surges across the West Coast.

The Environment Agency are warning coastal communities along the south and west coasts of England to remain vigilant and alert for possible tidal flooding between Friday and Sunday, as strong winds combine with high tides and large waves.

This could lead to localised spray and wave-over tipping at exposed coastal locations and promenades, and the risk of flooding to properties and low lying land.

Given this warning, Cumbria Police along with partner agencies are taking this advanced opportunity to advise people to be prepared and to take care. People are advised to avoid going near to harbours or promenades during this period for their own safety.

A Cumbria County Council spokesman said: “The county and district councils are working in partnership and have contingency plans in place and staff on standby to provide immediate support to affected communities if required.

“Our highways teams are also geared up to support the emergency response and will be on hand to assist the police with road closures and diversions should they be needed.

“We’d encourage motorists to be aware of the conditions, give themselves extra time if they have to travel in coastal areas and check their route before setting off.

People living in areas at risk of flooding are advised to keep a flood kit ready including a torch, batteries, fully charged mobile phone, warm clothing, water, food and any prescription medicines you may need and to make sure elderly and vulnerable friends, neighbours and family are aware of the situation.”


Travel:

If you need to travel on the roads, please slow down, drive with care and drive in accordance with the conditions – not the speed limit.
Before starting your journey, please check your route, you can keep up to date with the latest situation on the roads by visiting our Traffic Link Map: http://www.cumbria.police.uk/traffic-link-map

If you are planning to travel by train, please contact National Rail to check that there are no issues with the trains on your journey. www.nationalrail.co.uk


Flooding:

Police are urging people, especially those living in an area prone to flooding to keep up to date with flood warning/alerts that are issued, you can find out more by visiting: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/31618.aspx or call their Floodline for advice and information on: 0845 988 1188

If you see the roads in your area starting to flood with a build up of surface water, please contact Cumbria County Council’s Highways Hotline on 0845 609 6609 or email highways@cumbria.gov.uk


Practical tips and health advice is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/flooding-advice-to-the-public

Council details:

Copeland Borough Council: 0845 054 8600 - (This number has out of hours support for flooding – after a message about what out of hours support is available it automatically diverts to an out of hours call centre). http://www.copeland.gov.uk/
Eden District Council: http://www.eden.gov.uk/
South Lakeland District Council: 0845 050 4434, http://www.southlakeland.gov.uk/
Allerdale Borough Council (http://www.allerdale.gov.uk/ )
Barrow Borough Council (www.barrowbc.gov.uk )

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