A FLOOD alert risk has been issued in south Cumbria due to heavy rainfall and the upcoming Storm Kathleen expected overnight into Saturday.

A government warning has said that flooding is 'possible' on the Rivers Brathay, Rothay and Winster and other watercourses, from Grasmere to Grange including low-lying areas around Ambleside, Skelwith Bridge, Windermere, Hawkshead, Newby Bridge, Backbarrow, Cark and Cartmel. 

The warning was also issued at the Rivers Duddon, Crake and Mill Beck and other watercourses, from Coniston to Barrow including low-lying areas around Ulpha, Duddon Bridge, Broughton in Furness, Kirkby-in-Furness, Dalton and Ulverston.

The warning was issued after the river levels rose overnight due to heavy rain falling on wet catchments.

There is less rain in the forecast for today (Friday), but with further rain and Storm Kathleen expected overnight into Saturday, the alert remains in place.

Further showers are forecast in the area for Saturday night, and so river levels are expected to remain high over the weekend.

The alert tells people to 'avoid' low-lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and to not attempt to walk or drive through flood water.

The notice says: "We are monitoring rainfall and river levels and are clearing debris screens and checking rivers for blockages in the area."