DRIVING conditions became increasingly treacherous across South Cumbria on Boxing Day, as certain roads were totally submerged. 

Heavy rain fell on already-swollen rivers and saturated ground in Cumbria, where flooding had hit some areas three times already this month. 

The coast road was un-passable just past the Aldingham turn-off, heading in the Barrow direction, due to deep standing water. 

The road was also un-passable at Newbiggin. 

As was the case during the last severe floods earlier in December, flooding was reported at Brettargh Holt roundabout, affecting traffic between Levens and Kendal. 

However, unlike earlier in the month when the peninsula was shut off, the A590 was not closed at that point. 

Once again, there was a lot of standing water on the A590 at Lindal, where traffic was queuing and motorists were having to drive along the pavement to get past. 

A traffic light system had to be introduced to manage the queues. 

There was also significant standing water on Abbey Road at the Dalton Lane junction, and in Dalton at the point where the railway line passes under Abbey Road. 

December officially wettest on record for Cumbria amid further rain warnings

A crash was reported just north of Lancaster on the M6 at around 3.30pm, causing delays. 

Flood warnings were issued by the Environment Agency for the River Kent at Kendal and Burneside, and the River Greta at Keswick in Cumbria.

In total, there were seven severe flood warnings, 86 flood warnings and 35 flood alerts across the North West.

The A66 was closed in both directions at Bowes, with the area suffering from large areas of surface flooding water.

Early on Boxing Day morning, Barrow AFC confirmed their home fixture with Gateshead had been postponed due to the impact of the rain. 

The club tweeted: "MATCH OFF: Unfortunately, Barrow v Gateshead has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch."

South Lakeland District Council said it was fully engaged with other agencies to react promptly if there was another emergency. 

It said the key message to residents was to be prepared. 

In the event of any flooding emergency, Kendal Town Hall was to become the reception centre for any displaced individuals.

If required, SLDC's contact centre will also open for calls on 01539 733333. 

In addition, the Environment Agency has set up a flood hotline which will operate 24 hours a day throughout the whole Christmas period. 

They have been supplied with information so they can reply to specific inquiries from South Lakeland residents. 

The number is 0845 9881188. 

Meanwhile, there have been sandbags at all SLDC depots at Canal Head, Kendal, Ulverston and Ecclerigg. 

These were made available for the public to collect over the weekend from 11am on Christmas Day. 

On Christmas Day, Cumbria Police urged people to only drive if necessary as rain continues to fall across the county. 

Officers said the rain that had fallen had left some roads in the county either impassable or difficult to travel on.

Therefore they were urging motorists to consider whether any journey is necessary.