Storm Frank is expected to bring more flooding to Cumbria and Lancashire today.
11.22am Update:
We've had reports of properties flooding in Grasmere, as can be seen in this Tweet from Chris Shaw.
River burst banks again in Grasmere. Stock Lane properties flooding again! @CumbriaWeather @EllisButcher pic.twitter.com/nEtBKlkfAz
— Chris Shaw (@grasmerevillage) December 30, 2015
10.45am Update:
A multi-agency Strategic Command Group meeting has been held this morning (Wednesday) to assess the impact of Storm Frank on Cumbria.
The rain that has fallen so far has been at the lower end of the forecast – around 30-40mm, with the Met Office predicting the rain to clear between midday and 1pm today.
There have been some reports of minor surface water flooding in Egremont and Seaton, but winds of up to 70mph have caused most issues across the county with several trees being blown over onto roads.
There is also currently an operation on-going in Braithwaite to prevent flooding from the stream in the village, led by the Environment Agency and supported by the Army.
The Met Office predict the strong winds could continue into the afternoon, with the north and west parts of Cumbria most at risk.
Vehicles which are affected by strong winds are being advised to avoid using the A66 at this time.
Superintendent Mark Pannone, of Cumbria Constabulary said:
“It is obviously good news that Storm Frank has so far not brought about the disruption that could have occurred, and we hope it passes without further disruption. However, all agencies are continuing to monitor the situation and are doing everything possible to be prepared should we need to respond to any potential incidents.
“There hasn’t been as much rainfall as predicted yet the winds are strong and can be dangerous, so I would urge all motorists to be careful on the roads. Allow more time for your journey and stick to a speed appropriate for the weather.”
9.17am Update:
Listener James Anderson has just sent us a message on Facebook.
He traveled from Heysham to Preston for work and says the cross winds are particularly bad by the Forton services on the M6.
Windermere Cruises has also been interrupted due to the bad weather.
SERVICE UPDATE: Sorry, no cruises due to high winds. Hopefully resume around 11am. Updates here: https://t.co/s2pZI68wlV
— Windermere Cruises (@Windermereboats) December 30, 2015
9.05am Update:
Authorities and services have been continuously updating residents on Twitter with the latest traffic/travel information.
Here's the latest details we've seen from local Police and National Rail.
Parking issues remain with Cum County Coun (roads) and SLDC (carparks). We work with them and assist them...
— Kendal&Lakes Police (@Kendal_Lakespol) December 30, 2015
... A total blockage of footpath/access reportd on 101 will b lookd at&assesed once an officer is available We undrstand peoples frustration
— Kendal&Lakes Police (@Kendal_Lakespol) December 30, 2015
NEW: Delays to Virgin Trains services between Carlisle and Lancaster expected until 15:00 #Carlisle https://t.co/bxJUpZyNBR
— National Rail (@NRE_vtwestcoast) December 30, 2015
8.41am Update:
Lancaster Police is reminding local people that Hest Bank Lane at Slyne is still closed and they will need to use an alternate route today.
Hest Bank Lane at Slyne remains closed this morning to allow water to be pumped away from the A6, please take an alternative route.
— Lancaster Police (@PoliceLancaster) December 30, 2015
8.36amUpdate:
Stagecoach has issued travel advice for residents in Kendal who may be using the 552 service today.
#kendal due to the flooding the 552 will run as the 551 in both directions sfai
— Cumbria North Lancs (@StagecoachCNL) December 30, 2015
Highways England has also warned motorists there may be delays around Junctions 36 and 37 on the M6.
M6 northbound between J36 and J37 | Lane(s) blocked https://t.co/Ohj2lr6WJI
— Highways England (@HighwaysNWEST) December 30, 2015
8am Update:
Wild weather is forecast to batter the north and west of the UK today, with heavy rain and gale-force winds.
Storm Frank is the name for the latest storm given by the Met Office.
A Yellow warning for both rain and wind is in force for Cumbria, and Lancashire has a Yellow warning for rain.
In the central Lake District, the rain warning is at the higher 'Amber' status - meaning "be prepared".
Both the yellow and amber warnings for rain will be in force until 3pm on Wednesday the 30th of December, while the wind warning in Cumbria is only until 11am.
Electricity North West says it's prepared for severe weather, with engineers working to ensure that key substations are protected.
Cumbria Police is warning motorists to remain vigilant on the roads with the increased wind speeds.
Please be aware of increasing wind speeds which are creating difficult driving conditions in Cumbria #StormFrank #SlowDown
— Cumbria Police (@Cumbriapolice) December 29, 2015