Flooding risks reduced as wet weather clears
Last updated at 13:47, Monday, 25 June 2012
A LAKE District bridge was blocked as the equivalent of a month’s rainfall fell in just a few hours.
The overnight band of rain has moved away and has been replaced by drier conditions.
Rivers levels are now dropping, and most of the flood warnings in the region have been removed.
Exceptional rainfall and record river levels earlier this weekend led to extensive flooding across parts of the North West.
More than 100mm of rain – equivalent to one month’s rainfall – fell in just a few hours late on Friday.
But the situation was less severe across South Cumbria.
Over the weekend, more than 4,700 homes in the region were sent a flooding warning, and nearly 9000 homes and businesses were protected by Environment Agency defences in the North West.
Environment Agency staff worked through the weekend, issuing warnings, and monitoring river levels.
As the risk of flooding recedes today, staff are still out supporting communities with the recovery, and making sure that all rivers and streams are running free from debris and blockages.
The Environment Agency has also started to undertake data collection work to survey the extent of the floodwater, and the route it took.
Environment Agency North West director Steve Moore said: “We are pleased the worst of the rain has now passed and that communities can begin to recover from the disruption that this weekend’s floods has caused.
"Our thoughts are with the people affected, as we know that the post-flood clean up can still be a difficult time.
“As people have seen first hand this weekend, flooding can cause huge worry and heartache, and we urge people to always be prepared for the risk.
"People can sign up to Floodline warnings on our website which will give them vital advance notice and time to prepare.”
The Environment Agency issued the warnings on Friday afternoon for the Duddon, Crake, Mill Beck, Brathay, Rothay and Winster.
The warnings had remained in place yesterday morning (Saturday).
The A595 near Duddon Bridge had been blocked by flood waters.
Evening Mail reader Angela York contacted us to let us know of the flooding situation at Duddon Bridge.
She said the extent of the flooding from the estuary meant the bridge was closed on Friday evening long before the high tide was due.
Two fire engines – one from Barrow and one from Millom – attended the scene to rescue a Tesco van and several cars that were stuck in the water.
Police were on the scene around 8.30pm on Friday and closed the road at the top of the hill by the High Cross to prevent anyone else going down towards Duddon Bridge.
The public are also urged to remain vigilant and check the Environment Agency website and Twitter feed for the latest updates and warnings, with a number of flood alerts and more serious warnings expected.
People are being warned to stay away from swollen rivers and not to drive through floodwater.
- If you have a flooding story for us you can contact our news team, news.em@cnmedia.co.uk
- If you have photos of flooding in Furness, south Lakes, or south Copeland click here to send them to us
First published at 14:45, Friday, 22 June 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
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Is Ricky Albon allowed to use phone whilst driving?
Posted by gjjjj on 24 June 2012 at 07:45