A broken-down car in floodwater near Derwentwater
A broken-down car in floodwater near Derwentwater
Flood warnings are in force in Cumbria as heavy rain continues in the northwest of England, southwest Scotland and Wales.

Thirteen inches of rain (332mm) have been recorded at Honister Pass in the Lake District in the last 32 hours, and 10.7 inches (271mm) at Seathwaite, said the Environment Agency.

An amber Met Office warning for rain - indicating potential risk to life and property, travel disruption and power cuts - is in force for much of Cumbria on Thursday.



"In a 24-hour period you could see a month's worth of rain," said Met Office meteorologist Annie Shuttleworth on Wednesday night.

High water levels in Cockermouth, Cumbria
High water levels in Cockermouth, Cumbria
A less serious yellow rain warning extends into Lancashire, parts of Yorkshire, southern Scotland and most of Wales.

Nine "immediate action" flood warnings were in place in Cumbria on Thursday morning, in areas such as Keswick campsite, the River Ehen at Low Mill, and the River Cocker at Southwaite Bridge.


There were also 16 less severe flood alerts issued by the Environment Agency.

Pictures on social media showed submerged roads in Cumbria, with one image showing cars stuck at Windermere School.

A video by flood risk analyst Dr Ed Henderson also showed terrible driving conditions and submerged roads yesterday in Borrowdale.


In Kendal, Press Association photographer Owen Humphreys tweeted that the River Kent was a "torrent of water" but that it had not yet burst its banks.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service warned people not to try to drive through floodwater as just six inches can float some small cars.

"DON'T enter flood water it's not only your life you are gambling with," said Brian Steadman, Cumbria's deputy chief fire officer.

Crews were already having to help vehicles stuck in floodwater on Thursday, said Mr Steadman.

The rain is expected to continue on Friday but should ease slightly in the North West.