THE Environment Agency has confirmed that three flood warnings and 14 flood alerts still remain in place across Cumbria today after yesterday's torrential downpours.

A flood warning is defined by the agency as "severe flooding with danger to life," while a flood alert means "flooding is expected and immediate action is required."

The two flood warnings relate to the River Eden at Carlisle and Keswick Campsite.

Flood warnings related to other parts of the county such as the Rivers Eden, Esk, Irthing, Duddon and Crake.

Yesterday afternoon, firefighters across the county were kept busy with  crews from Barrow attending flooding to six terraced properties in Dale Street, Ireleth, Askam-in-Furness.

At 2.41pm, a fire engine from Coniston went to a property near Sawrey and removed water from the cellar using a specialist pump.

Crews at Ambleside cleared a blocked culvert in Kirkfield Rise, Ambleside.

Eight terminally-ill patients St Mary's Hospice in Ulverston were evacuated after water breached bedrooms and offices, and Rascals Nursery in Ulverston, was also cleared of youngsters and staff.

  • ABOVE: Video shows flood water gushing down the hillside near St Mary's Hospice.

Across England and Wales, 85 flood warnings are in place and 194 flood alerts.

No weather warnings exist in Cumbria at this moment but the Met Office does have them in force for Saturday and Sunday.

It has issued a "yellow alert," or "be aware," warning for the weekend.

It says: "Many areas are likely to experience a period of very wet and very windy weather over the weekend. The public should be aware that some flooding is likely, and winds could potentially cause damage to buildings and uproot some trees.

"Given the saturated ground there is potential for the rainfall to lead to considerable disruption in some areas, though at this stage details are uncertain."

The AA has warned motorists to take care.

"Only drive through water if you know that it's not too deep. Drive slowly and steadily to avoid creating a bow wave. Allow oncoming traffic to pass first and test your brakes as soon as you can after leaving the water.

"Don't try driving through fast-moving water, such as at a flooded bridge approach – your car could easily be swept away.

"Watch out for standing water, trying to avoid it if you can, and adjust your speed to the conditions."

Problems caused by flooding at Oxenholme the Lake District led to delays of around 30 minutes on trains between Lancaster and Carlisle this morning.

Virgin Trains passengers with tickets valid for yesterday (November 23) can use them to complete their journeys today.