CUMBRIA Police have declared a 'major incident' as heavy snowfall brings disruption to roads across the county.

A multi-agency response is now ongoing to 'minimise the challenges' that the snow is continuing to have on the road network.

Agencies are aware of multiple reports of vehicles stuck in traffic in the South Lakes area, particularly in the Bowness and Grizedale areas.

Efforts are being made by Highways teams from Cumberland Council and Westmorland & Furness Council , who have been working to clear priority routes so those impacted can be supported, the police said.

Police are also reiterating their message to the public that people should only travel where necessary, particularly those considering travelling in the South Lakes and Millom areas.

Due to the current and forecasted low temperatures, road conditions will 'remain challenging', they said.

Superintendent Andy Wilkinson of Cumbria Constabulary, said: “Agencies across Cumbria are working together in response to the impact that heavy snowfall is continuing to have on the county’s roads.

“We are working at pace, to help clear roads so those currently affected can get moving.

“I would urge anybody considering travelling in Cumbria tonight, to only do so if necessary. The cold temperatures forecast will make road conditions even more difficult.”

An amber warning for snow covering large sections of south and west Cumbria, which came into effect earlier this afternoon, remains in place until midnight.

A yellow weather warning covering most of the county is also in place for snow and ice until midnight.

An additional yellow weather warning is also in place from midnight until 11am tomorrow morning, covering most of the county.

Police said the following roads are currently impacted by the weather conditions.

  • A591 Kendal – queuing traffic between the A5284 Windermere Road to Wythburn.
  • A591 at Newby Bridge – queuing traffic between Newby Bridge and Windermere
  • A591 Lake Road – queueing traffic between Skelwith bridge and Ambleside.
  • A595 Kirkby-in-Furness – queuing traffic between Kirkby-in-Furness and Grizebeck.
  • A6 Wickersgill - queueing traffic between Wickersgill to Garth Row.
  • B5286 Clappersgate – queuing traffic between Clappersgate and Hawkshead
  • Harras Road in Whitehaven – queuing traffic between York Terrace and Red Lonning.
  • Woodhouse Road in Whitehaven – queuing traffic between the B5345 St Bees Road and Fell View Avenue.