Last updated at 11:48, Friday, 06 July 2012

LATEST forecasts show that up to 100mm of rain could fall in South Cumbria starting today.

The exact locations of the bad weather are unknown at the stage, however a weather system of thunder showers and slow moving bands of rain is likely to affect North Lancashire and South Cumbria.

The Environment Agency is warning that there could be a risk of flooding from rivers and surface water during Friday and Saturday.

The Environment Agency say it has mobilised teams across the area to check and clear any river blockages and closely monitor river levels. They are also working with local partners to ensure that surface water flooding is minimised where possible.

Surface water flooding happens when the local drainage system cannot cope with rainfall. It is extremely difficult to predict precisely where surface water flooding will happen as it depends on ground levels, the amount of rainfall, and the local drainage network.

Road safety charity the IAM is offering motorists advice on driving in heavy rain, following the Met Office issuing amber warnings of torrential rain over the coming days.

IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger said: "A suddenly very wet road surface increases the chances of slipping when braking or steering, which is a problem not just for motorists, but cyclists and motorcyclists too.

“When driving in wet conditions remember that stopping distances will increase, and visibility will be reduced. Drop your speed and give yourself more time to slow down.”

In cases of severe flooding, you should reconsider making the journey at all. If it is unavoidable, and you have to drive through deep water, the IAM recommends drivers take the following precautions:

• Drive on the highest section of the road and don't set off if a vehicle is approaching you
• Leave time and space to avoid swamping other cars and pedestrians
• Drive slowly and keep going once you have started – make sure you have a clear run. In a manual car, keep the revs high by "slipping the clutch" (which means the clutch is not fully engaged) all the time you are in the water
• If you can’t see where you are going to come out of the water, such as when approaching flooding on a bend, think twice about starting to drive into it
• In deep water never take your foot off the accelerator, as this could allow water to travel up the exhaust pipe
• Once you're out of the water, dry the brakes before you need them. The best way is to lightly apply the brake as you drive along for a few seconds, after checking nothing is following you too closely.

Steve Moore, Director of the Environment Agency in the North West region said: “Our latest forecasts show that over the next 36 hours, some parts of the North West region could experience very heavy rainfall.

"We are experiencing a period of very unsettled weather and, where necessary, our teams are out monitoring river levels and ensuring that blockages to rivers and drains are removed.”

The public are encouraged to remain vigilant and those concerned about flooding can call Floodline 0845 988 1188. Keep up to date with the latest flood alerts and warnings via:

Website: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/31618.aspx

First published at 14:20, Thursday, 05 July 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk