THERE are flood alerts in place across Cumbria after a morning of heavy rain. 

The UK government flood alert website has put out the following updates for possible flooding this morning (15 August): 

  • Flood alert for Rivers Brathay, Rothay and Winster: Rising river levels this morning may lead to flooding of roads and low lying land. Flooding is possible from 10.00am. Areas most at risk include Rivers Brathay, Rothay and Winster and other watercourses, from Grasmere to Grange-over-Sands including low lying areas around Ambleside, Skelwith Bridge, Windermere, Hawkshead, Newby Bridge, Backbarrow, Cark and Cartmel. Further flooding of roads and low lying land is possible throughout the afternoon as river levels are expected to remain high due to rainfall. 

  • Flood alert for Rivers Duddon, Crake and Mill Beck: Rising river levels this morning may lead to flooding of roads and low lying land. Flooding is possible from 11.00am. Areas most at risk include Rivers Duddon, Crake and Mill Beck and other watercourses, from Coniston to Barrow-in-Furness including low lying areas around Ulpha, Duddon Bridge, Broughton in Furness, Kirkby-in-Furness, Dalton in Furness and Ulverston. Further flooding of roads and low lying land is possible throughout the afternoon as river levels are expected to remain high due to rainfall.

  • Flood alert for Rivers Ehen, Calder, Irt and Esk: River levels are rising on the Rivers Ehen, Calder, Irt and Esk due to the recent heavy rainfall today. Areas most at risk include Rivers Ehen, Calder, Irt and Esk and other watercourses, from Harrington to Annaside including low lying areas around Whitehaven, Cleator Moor, Egremont, Gosforth, Eskdale and Bootle. Flooding of roads and low lying land is possible throughout the afternoon as river levels are expected to remain high due to further rainfall today, Thursday 15 August. 

The website advises the public to monitor local water levels and weather conditions, and to avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water.