STORM Ali wreaked havoc across South Cumbria with gusts in excess of 60mph bringing down trees, blowing metal sheeting off a roof and leaving hundreds without power.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, Cumbria Highways and Cumbria Police all worked tirelessly to keep the public safe in the challenging conditions.

Barrow firefighters and partners were called out to numerous incidents, including a fallen tree which was leaning against The Army Reserve Centre, in Holker Street, that led to the road being closed.

A large piece of sheet metal blew off the roof of the Curry’s building, which is under development at Hollywood Park, Barrow. Firefighters and the contractor secured the metal.

The force of the gusts smashed the windows above the Marmaris Grill, in Duke Street, Barrow, and this area was cordoned off to the public. The takeaway is open. A sign had to be removed at the Central Preston Street Working Mens Club, in Barrow, as it was deemed dangerous in the conditions. On Greengate Street, Barrow, loose roof slates were also causing issues.

Roger Exley, station manager at Barrow Fire Station, said: “Storm Ali has been significant. The incidents in Barrow caused a risk to the public. The glass and sheet metal could have caused serious injury or killed someone.

“People need to be vigilant in these conditions and take care.”

Highways teams from Cumbria County Council cleared fallen trees and debris from roads throughout the county.

The hardest-hit areas of the county were Carlisle and along the west coast of the county.

With a yellow weather warning for rain in place for Cumbria tomorrow (Thursday), people are being advised to avoid making non-essential journeys during the severe weather conditions. If people do need to travel, they are advised to drive with extreme caution and allow extra time for the journey.

Superintendent Mark Pannone of Cumbria Police said: “We would urge people to be aware of their surroundings and take care. Our advice to drivers is to slow down and to drive to the conditions you face.”

Thousands of homes across Cumbria were without powers due to the storm - including hundreds in South Lakeland.

Storm Ali battered the north of the county, with gusts of 96mph being recorded.

The Met Office issued an amber weather warning for northern Cumbria - the second highest alert level - meaning there is potential “risk to life and property” due to wind.

South Cumbria is under the yellow warning for wind until 10pm tonight (Wednesday).

In the Lake District and surrounding area there were more than 500 properties without power. There were also homes hit by power cuts outside of Ulverston. Electricity North West engineers worked throughout the day to tackle the issues.

There has been an alert of a period of heavy rainfall from midday tomorrow (Thursday) and into Friday morning.

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