THE Environment Agency has issued several flood alerts and warnings as heavy rainfall continues to fall in the county.

The Met Office in London has confirmed that in the next 24 hours there is likely to be 10mm to 20mm of rain in the county, with up to 30mm on higher ground. Overnight, there will be scattered and some heavy showers, although it is expected to be dry by tomorrow morning.

In a statement issued earlier today the Environment Agency said: “A tidal surge is expected to affect the foreshore as a result of high spring tides and strong winds. Tides will be at their highest between 10:45am and 11:15am today.

“Flooding to roads and farmland is possible at these times, however conditions may apply two to four hours either side of the high tide. Flooding is expected to affect low lying land, roads and coastal paths at West Shore Park, Biggar Bank Road, Tummerhill Marshes, Rampside and Roa Island. “We are closely monitoring the situation. Please be careful along beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads as large waves and sea spray could be dangerous.”

A warning - which indicates that flooding is expected - has been declared for the Cumbrian coastline at Duddon Estuary, at Haverigg to Duddon Bridge, Foxfield, Dunnerholme, North Morecambe Bay and along the coast from RooseBeck to Carnforth.

Flood alerts - meaning flooding is possible -  have been declared for the coast between St Bees to Millom, coast at Duddon Estuary, Barrow-in-Furness and North Morecambe Bay.