A BAND of heavy rain, snow and wind has led to disruption in South Lakeland this afternoon.

The Met Office has issued ‘yellow alerts’ for rain and wind from today through to Sunday.

High tide at Sandside led to more flooding misery for residents and heavy snow has shut roads in the area.

Police have advised drivers to avoid the following roads as they are currently closed, or the snow has created potentially dangerous road conditions:

• The Corney Fell Road at Corney, Millom - Motorists are asked to use the main A595 road when travelling south until further notice.
• A591 – Dunmail Rise
• A592 – Kirkstone Pass
• A593 – Skelwith Bridge, Ambleside - Emergency services are attending to assist in a road traffic collision between two vehicles. No injuries reported at this time, believed to be due to weather conditions.

There are also reports of hazardous driving conditions on the A5087 at Bardsea.

Heavy rain is forecast, with the possibility of snow over higher ground, particularly in east/northeast Cumbria.

Strong winds are also expected over Saturday and Sunday which, combined with high tides, could lead to coastal flooding caused by large waves and spray.

A spokesperson from the Met Office said: “A band of heavy rain, will spread eastwards across the rest of northern Britain today.

“The rain will be preceded by snow for a time.

“At these levels, the snow combined with gales is expected to give some very poor travelling conditions, whilst at lower levels there is a risk of localised flooding."

Heavy rain on already saturated ground will also heighten the risk of river and surface water flooding across the region.

Cumbria Police and partner agencies are urging people to be prepared and avoid going near harbours or promenades during this period for their own safety.

Police are also urging people, especially those living in areas prone to flooding, to remain vigilant.

Keep an eye on local weather reports and keep up to date with flood alerts and warnings by visiting the Environment Agency website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood

Call Floodline to sign up for Flood Alerts Direct, search for ‘Flood Warnings’ on Facebook and follow the Environment Agency on Twitter @EnvAgencyNW.

If you see the roads in your area starting to flood with a build-up of surface water, please contact Cumbria County Council’s Highways Hotline on 0845 609 6609 or email highways@cumbria.gov.uk.

Environment Agency flood alerts

Coast at Barrow-in-Furness

Coast at North Morecambe Bay