Blog: Latest Snow reports from around Cumbria, North Lancs, the Dales and South Lakeland

Updated 5:49pm Wednesday 13th February 2013 in News

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  • Snow is falling in Cumbria.
  • Keep an eye on this page for regular updates on the weather, including traffic news and school closures.
  • Tell us about empty grit bins or untreated roads by sending a tweet with the hashtag #WGgrit.
  • Tweet your snow pictures to @gazettenewsdesk or email them to bob.hart@nqnw.co.uk

5:49pm

After a day of snow, roads in Cumbria are likely to be treacherous tonight, so be careful on your way home.

The Met Office says heavy rain is on its way tonight, clearing away most of the snow at lower levels.

 

Here's the latest weather forecast for the region:

4:20pm

4:19pm

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4:17pm

4:12pm

Gazette reader Jeff Bagnall has emailed us these photos of a jack-knifed lorry at Troutbeck Bridge causing traffic problems on the A591. The road is currently blocked.

 

4:03pm

4:03pm

4:02pm

The Met Office is warning of 'very poor' visibility in Cumbria.

4:02pm

4:01pm

4:00pm

The snow is starting to recede in Kendal, only to be replaced by rain - so be extra careful on the roads out there.

3:55pm

David Morgan, of Heron Hill, Kendal has been building a snowman with the help of his sons Calum and Reece...

 

3:49pm

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3:10pm

Reports are coming in of an accident on the A685 at Tebay by the M6 / B6260 junction. Police are en route.

 

2:16pm

2:16pm

11:59am

11:44am

Craig Buxton sent us this photo, taken through his catflap.

He said: "Bruce the Bantam Cockerel is refusing to leave our porch. He is quite vicious. We are not going to argue with him.
"Snow is quite obviously not his thing, so he is staying put and so, it seems, are we until he decides to vacate our entrance hall."

10:43am

Difficult driving conditions are reported on Kirkstone Pass - avoid if possible.

10:38am

Snow causes problems on the M6

Snow is causing problems on the M6 near Shap, which has been reduced to one lane because of snow.

Traffic is understood to be flowing well despite the lane closures.

10:02am

Our photographers have taken a couple of photos showing snow in the centre of Kendal this morning.

Send your photos to bob.hart@nqnw.co.uk or tweet them to @gazettenewsdesk

9:44am

9:34am

8:55am

Met Office issue a yellow weather warning for Cumbria and the North West until midnight tonight. Rain expected later on in the afternoon.

A statement said: "Accumulations of 2 to 4 cm of snow could occur temporarily at lower elevations, with around 10 cm above 200 metres across northern England and Scotland.

"Snow will turn to rain from the west during the afternoon and evening affecting routes above 200 metres, and leading to an enhanced risk of of ice."

8:49am

7:44am

Snow is falling at the moment in Kendal. There is a light covering on roofs and parked car windscreens but it does not appear to be settling in any depth on pavements and roads.

Please contact the newsdesk on 01539 710154 with your weather updates, stories, photographs and videos.

 

5:50pm

SNOW EXPECTED ON WEDNESDAY

Light snow is expected in Cumbria on Wednesday morning, turning heavy by lunchtime.

Accumulations of 2 to 6cm could occur on lower ground, with up to 10cm in hilly areas.

It's likely to be breezy too, with winds gusting to 27mph.

Rain is expected later in the day, so snow cover at low levels is likely to be temporary.

9:09am

MORE SNOW EXPECTED ON WEDNESDAY

The Met Office has issued another yellow warning for snow in Cumbria on Wednesday.

A band of sleet and snow is expected parts of northern England from 6am to 6pm.

Accumulations of 2 to 6cm could occur on lower ground, with up to 10cm in hilly areas.

Rain is expected later in the day, so snow cover at low levels is likely to be temporary.

9:16am

WEATHER WARNING FOR THE NORTH WEST

More snow could be on the way to Cumbria, with a yellow warning in place on Sunday and Monday.

The Met Office predicted light rain and a few fog patches today with highs of 4C.

However, it's expected to be windy on Sunday with temperatures falling to 2C.

Temperatures are likely to drop as low as 0C on Monday, but will feel like -4C because of the wind chill.

The weather warning is in place from 3am on Sunday to midnight on Monday, with the potential of up to 10cm of snow falling in places in the North West.

2:30pm

2:30pm

 

7:25am

WEDNESDAY

It's chilly and rainy in the Lake District this morning.

No school closures are reported and traffic is flowing well in most areas.

Kirkstone Pass remains closed due to snow.

5:32pm

WEATHER CREATES DIFFICULT DRIVING CONDITIONS

Driving conditions are difficult again in Cumbria tonight.

Kirkstone Pass remains closed due to snow.

The A685 Appleby Road is closed.

A broken-down vehicle has reduced the A66 to one lane at Bowes.

Main Street in Shap is snowy, but just passable.

There are difficult driving conditions on the A684 Sedbergh Road in Kendal.

Here's the latest weather forecast for the region:

3:04pm

3:04pm

12:16pm

12:10pm

Flurries of snow now falling in Kendal.

Also, a pitch inspection will take place at the FC United ground at Gigg Lane, Manchester, at 1.15pm to decide whether tonight's game against Kendal Town (7.45pm kick-off) will go ahead.

 

11:04am

ROAD REOPENS

The A684 to Kendal and the M6 sliproad have now reopened.

They were closed due to snow and ice this morning.

10:19am

Many areas have had a small dusting of snow but heavier on the top of the Lake District fells.

9:45am

The Met Office says temperatures will reach a maximum of 4 degrees centigrade in South Lakeland this morning, with winds reaching 15mph from the west-south-west direction. 

In other words, wrap up warm!

9:32am

Here are the rooftops of Kendal this morning after snowfall overnight. Photo by our very own Mark Harrison.

 

9:31am

The A684 - the road that links Sedbergh to Kendal - has been closed between the M6 and Kendal this morning due to icy conditions.

The Gazette understands there was an accident at about 8am this morning.

 

7:11am

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5

There's been some snow in the Lake District overnight, causing some disruption on higher routes.

Kirkstone Pass is currently closed again due to snow.

No school closures are currently reported.

Here's the latest weather forecast for the region:

5:33pm

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4

The Met Office has given a 70 per cent chance that snow will fall in the North West later today.

The yellow snow warning will be in force from 4pm until midnight, with the largest accumulation of snow expected over higher ground.

It is also predicted that further snow showers may take place throughout tomorrow.

Information on how to prepare for the wintry weather can be found at http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/learning/get-ready-for-winter

4:55pm

THIS tweet really warms the cockles....Kendal's YHA helped out some holidaymakers who were left stranded by Friday's sudden snowfall, and the YHA team has just tweeted this photo showing the appreciation of those unexpected guests.
 

4:41pm

EXPECT to see the gritters out in force on the main roads of North Yorkshire, including the A65, tonight.........
 

4:22pm

PEOPLE are being urged to be vigilant after river levels rose today (Sunday) in Cumbria and North Yorkshire.

As the snow has melted and rain has fallen, the River Kent in Kendal and the River Wenning through Bentham has risen significantly during the day.

The Environment Agency is urging caution but has not issued any flood warnings or alerts for any of the region's waterways.

Here is a photo taken earlier today of the River Kent in Kendal and tweeted to us by Gazette reader Johnny Gios @Supergios 

10:02am

Here are some thoughts on the weather from one of our followers on Twitter:

SouthLakesGuy ‏@SouthLakesGuy
Well the snow has all been washed away & the sun is trying to come through. It must be spring in South Lakes. Time for a run on low fells.

Remember you can follow us on our Twitter account: http://twitter.com/gazettenewsdesk

9:53am

Cumbria Police report that the A595 at Hensingham by-pass is now open again as the flooding has subsided.

8:48am

THE A595 is closed northbound between the B5295 Egremont Road junction in Whitehaven and the A597 junction in Workington

8:45am

Reports are coming in of flood water at Newby Bridge on the A590, so take care out there.

8:41am

The Westmorland Gazette recommends readers keep an eye on the Environment Agency's Live Flood Warning Map for updates on flooding: 

http://environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/142151.aspx

8:37am

8:34am

8:34am

8:32am

WEATHER experts have issued another warning for residents of Cumbria, North Lancashire and North Yorkshire.

With the snow melting and torrential rain falling overnight on Saturday, the Met Office says there is a risk of flooding due to excess surface water and rising river levels.

The effects of the snow, which fell on Friday, melting as temperatures increased could be witnessed in Booths car park, Kendal, yesterday afternoon, with drivers and pedestrians having to be extra vigilant. 

Today will see rain across much of the region, with temperatures reaching a maximum of 6 degrees centigrade. The rain is set to stay for the rest of the week, with some sunshine expected on Wednesday and Thursday.

2:40pm

Here's a pic taken by Catherine Brooker today near Kirkby Lonsdale.

2:38pm

Families enjoy some sledging fun on the outskirts of Kendal today. Picture by Catherine Brooker.

2:36pm

Just in case you didn't know, Kendal Town's home match and Kirkby Lonsdale RUFC's game have both been called off today due to the weather.

2:34pm

Here's a lovely photo of eight-year-old twins Joel and Ruby, 8, Blamire sledging in Kendal today. Gazette photographer Catherine Brooker caught this image.....

2:20pm

Here's a tweet from our resident cartoonist Colin Shelbourn...
 

1:02pm

You can keep up to date with the latest gritting information for Cumbria right here....

http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/gritting/default.asp

12:56pm

Here's a nice pic from Gazette reader Stuart Jones....

http://instagram.com/p/U8d0N7wTcC/

 

12:54pm

Our very own Ellis Butcher has been out getting some superb snow snaps this morning. You can have a look here.....

http://ellisbutcherlakedistrict.wordpress.com/2013/01/26/a-set-of-snowy-pictures-from-1-corner-of-cumbria-today-snow-cumbria/

 

12:52pm

Good old Bownessie has been tweeting this morning.....
 

12:41pm

....and here is the YHA's 150 year-old monkey puzzle tree.

12:40pm

PHIL Jones - not the Manchester United centre back, but the hostel manager at YHA in Coniston - has told The Gazette how Coniston ground to a halt last night.

He said: "There was no traffic on main road. Just under 60 guests were expected last night – only four turned up.

This photo shows the entrance to Holly How YHA......
 

11:56am

CUMBRIA Police are urging motorists to keep an eye on the roads via their Traffic Link Map, which you can find here: http://www.cumbria.police.uk/traffic-link-map

11:04am

Many of you may have heard or read this morning about the blizzard overnight which caused chaos on the M6 between junctions 26 and 27.

Well, Morecambe and Lunesdale MP David Morris was one of those trapped on the road, with his car, for more than three hours.

He said that motorists ended up having snowball fights on the motorway!

"It was a surreal scene," he added.

11:00am

And finally, here is a snow plough at the Crooklands roundabout......

10:59am

This pic was taken at Devil's Bridge, Kirkby Lonsdale....

10:59am

Here is a nice snow scene taken on the A65, between Crooklands and Lupton....

10:56am

And here is the M6 at Junction 36. As you can see, the roads are fairly clear at the moment.....

10:56am

Here is Kendal's Market Place this morning

10:55am

I've been out this morning getting a few pics of the snow....so I'll be posting a few in the next couple of minutes....

10:34am

HEAVY snowfall caused problems for motorists around Cumbria with police advising motorists not to travel unless they have to.

The A590 at Lindale, and the A591 and A592 at Windermere were among the worst hit roads in the county.

Dozens of drivers had to abandon their cars, and there are reports that as many as 200 cars were stuck at Lindale Brow, as conditions worsened last night.

The Bay Search and Rescue team was also called out to help get drivers on their way.

10:19am

10:16am

 

10:13am

 

10:12am

10:11am

10:11am

10:08am

Police are advising motorists to avoid driving in Beast Banks in Kendal due to icy conditions

10:01am

Hazardous roads in Cumbria

Snow and ice is making for difficult driving conditions on many of Cumbria's roads this morning.

  • The A5092 at Grizebeck is closed
  • The A66 at Bassenthwaite is blocked by an overturned car
  • Hartside Pass at Alston is closed
  • Honister Pass is closed
  • Conditions are difficult on the A6 at Kendal

Take extra care if you're out on the roads this morning, and don't travel unless you really have to.

 

9:43am

5:39pm

Here is some footage of Kendal town centre this evening.

5:34pm

.....and here's another snowy scene featuring a couple of very happy snowmen

5:31pm

Our photographers Glen Gater and Catherine Brooker have been out in the snow today taking some snaps. 

Here is one of Windermere this afternoon....

5:29pm

Our reporter Anna Clarke tells us that conditions on Windermere Road, in Kendal, are treacherous, with some motorists struggling to get their cars through the snow.

Be careful everyone.

5:27pm

Here's Stricklandgate in Kendal, just a few moments ago.....

 

5:02pm

On Twitter, ‏@CumbriaCrack reports:

A684 Sedbergh Road in Kendal blocked and queueing traffic in both directions at the Castle Road junction, because of an accident.

4:59pm

And our very own roving reporter Steven Bell has just tweeted this update....

Steven Bell ‏@StevenLBell
#Kendal is gridlocked. Few cm of snow in just 40 minutes. Coming down thick and fast. Go very carefully

 

4:59pm

Here's the latest news on travel in Cumbria, courtesy of @CumbriaTravel

SEVERE A5092 Cumbria - A5092 in Grizebeck blocked between the A595 junction and the B5281 junction, because of snow.

4:54pm

Here's the latest view of Kendal's Market Place, where there is roughly half an inch of snow settling on the streets. 

Keep tweeting @gazettenewsdesk with your snow pictures and let us know what it's like in your area.

In the meantime, take care as you travel home on the roads.

4:37pm

Snow is well and truly falling across South Lakeland now - Kendal looks like it has been sprinkled with icing sugar.

4:12pm

4:03pm

The following statement has just been tweeted by the North West Motorway Police press office.....

‏@NWmwaypolice

Still no snow on region's motorways. Rest assured that the police and the Highways Agency are on full alert should it come.

3:59pm

Reports are coming in to the Gazette that snow is now falling quite heavily in Ulverston and the surrounding area.

3:24pm

2:49pm

1:27pm

Settlebeck High School, at Sedbergh, has closed for the day due to the weather.

Pupils were sent home from midday.

1:23pm

Electricity has returned to homes in Witherslack after a two-hour power cut which began at about 11am this morning.

Dean Barwick School was one building which was affected, but it remains open as normal.

1:20pm

Schools in Kendal remain open, despite rumours on social networking sites.

However, 10 Kirkbie Kendal School pupils, who live in particularly rural areas have been taken home early by their school buses to avoid potential problems on the roads.

12:50pm

12:41pm

12:12pm

Grasmere Primary School has closed for the day due to the continuing snow.
 

11:32am

11:26am

The Westmorland Gazette understands that Brockhole Visitor Centre, in Windermere, is closing because of the snow. Anyone who plans to visit is urged to contact them on 015394 46601.

11:24am

10:42am

10:34am

10:20am

10:19am

10:19am

9:52am

Snow has started to fall in Kendal, although there is no sign of it settling just yet.

9:40am

7:16am

FRIDAY

Temperatures are below zero in Cumbria this morning, and more heavy snow is expected to hit the region, spreading westwards from about 3pm.

Road closures due to snow and ice remain in place on Honister Pass and the B6276 at Brough.

Here's the weather forecast for the rest of the day:

3:23pm

MORE SNOW ON THE WAY

SOUTH Lakeland, Furness and North Lancashire are likely to see heavy snow on Friday, Met Office experts have said.

After largely escaping snowfall which brought parts of the country to a standstill last week, forecasters have issued an 'amber alert' for parts of south and east Cumbria, the Dales and areas of North Lancashire.

The amber alert means between 4cm-8cm of snow is possible widely at low levels, and maybe as much as 10cm.

Other parts of Cumbria are on a lesser 'yellow alert', and are expected to see between 2cm-5cm.

High ground in northern England could be blanketed with up to 20cm.

According to the Met Office forecast, heavy snow will fall in major towns like Kendal, Windermere, Ambleside, Ulverston, Kirkby Lonsdale, Carnforth, Appleby and surrounding villages.

Some areas could see further snow into the weekend.

'Strong winds will also lead to drifting, particularly over higher level roads in the north', the forecast reads.

Disruption to travel is possible throughout the day and people are urged to check before they travel and monitor weather updates.

Cumbria Police said the B5289, between Honister and Buttermere, is closed due to snow and ice making driving conditions dangerous.

Heavy snowfall on Monday shut schools in the Eden and Yorkshire Dales areas but South Lakeland got away with just a few light flurries.

Keep visiting The Westmorland Gazette website for the latest weather and travel news.

 

As part of our Grit Watch campaign, you can also use this page to let us know if roads in your area have not been gritted, or if salt bins are empty.

If you spot a problem, email newsdesk@kendal.newsquest.co.uk or tweet us using the hashtag #WGgrit

8:37am

THURSDAY

Here's this morning's weather forecast:

Honister Pass and the B6276 at Brough remain closed this morning due to snow and ice.

It's still chilly this morning, so be careful if you're out and about on the region's roads.

3:00pm

TRAFFIC

Two roads are currently closed due to snow and ice:

  • Honister Pass
  • B6276 at Brough

1:58pm

Here's the latest weather update for the region:

8:17am

7:24am

 

7:21am

WEDNESDAY

Temperatures are expected to hover just above freezing in South Lakeland and North Lancashire this morning.

There was no further snow overnight, but drivers should still take care on the roads this morning.

No further problems are reported on the region's roads, but Kirkstone Pass remains closed due to snow and ice.

Keep an eye on this page for news of any school closures or other weather-related problems throughout the day.

 

1:59pm

We're still getting some great snow photos sent in today.

Jo Spencer sent us this photo of snow near Grasmere. Two or three inches of snow fell in the village last night.

Steve Hillman sent us a selection of pictures of snow around Furness Abbey, including this robin fluffing its feathers for warmth.

See more pictures of snow in the Lake District in our snow gallery.

9:38am

Snow has just started in Kendal - will it last?

8:38am

The B6276 New Road Brough is now closed both ways between the A66 and B6277 because of snow
 

8:25am

Several schools in Whitehaven are closed, but across South Lakeland it looks as if everyone has re-opened.

Get in touch with us on the newsdesk on 01539 710 188 if you know any differently.

8:23am

The A592 Kirkstone Pass at Troutbeck is also set to remain closed.

8:21am

Update from the Highways Agency about the closure of the A66 - they say they will be out again this morning assessing the situation. In the meantime, drivers are still advised to find alternative routes.

7:34am

TUESDAY

It's another chilly morning in South Lakeland, so be careful if you're driving, especially on country routes.

The A66 at Brough and Kirkstone Pass remain closed due to snow.

Don't forget to send your winter pictures to bob.hart@nqnw.co.uk or to tweet them to @gazettenewsdesk

6:22pm

Here's the latest weather forecast for the region:

Check back on this page in the morning for the latest news, including any school closures.

6:21pm

Our photographers have taken some great pictures out in the snow near Dent and Kirkby Stephen today.

Have a look at out snow photo gallery for more.

12:44pm

A Tony Robinson has got in touch with us to report '20cm of snow' in Dentdale and still snowing heavily at 11.21am today

11:17am

MONDAY: Appleby Creamery reports it is closed today as it has no milk due to a tanker unable to get through due to snow.  "It would normally come via A66 and pick our milk up in either Brough or Appleby," said a spokesman.

11:12am

 
 

10:18am

DENT School is among those to have closed as a result of heavy snow. Rita Smith, of Dent Stores on Main Street, reported that despite snow in the early hours, roads were open. She also said nearby the nearby village of Cowgill had seen around six inches of snow. "It looks nice on the fields," she said.

10:09am

* The A686 at Hartside Pass in Alston has been closed. * The schools closed in Kirkby Stephen include St Benedicts High School; Kirkby Stephen Primary and Kirkby Stephen grammar. * Snow now being reported in Windermere.

9:32am

HEAVY snow is being reported across parts of Cumbria but South Lakeland continues to escape.
 

There have been flurries in Kendal and surrounding villages, and reports of two inches in Dent and an inch in Sedbergh but none so far in Kirkby Lonsdale.

The North Pennines seem to lay in the path of where the Met Office forecast the heaviest snow will fall in the region today.

Schools in Brough and Dent in Cumbria are already closed, along with Kirkby Stephen Primary and Kirkby Stephen grammar.

Appleby is also experiencing snow with the Appleby Creamery reporting: "Plenty of the white stuff here but we are shut because we've got no milk."

 

Snow has also been reported in Workington and the West of Cumbria, but in places like Carnforth in North Lancashire it has been sleet.

The Met Office forecast for Kendal - updated at 8am this morning - is suggesting the area is on an amber warning of snow up until at least 9pm tonight.

 

Amber warnings are where the Met Office warn people to "be prepared." However, forecast maps show the Kendal and South Lakes area on a less serious yellow warning of 'be aware.'

The A66 between Brough and Bowes is closed due to snow.

Mountaineer Alan Hinkes, a regular watcher of the weather, reported on Twitter that there had been one inch of snow in Patterdale next to Ullswater, with temperatures hovering at around 1C. He also said a gritter or plough had cleared the road but suggested Kirkstone Pass may be closed.

"Good for snowmen etc," he tweeted.
 
 

7:06am

MONDAY

No problems are reported on South Lakeland's roads this morning and at the moment there are no reports of closed schools.

The A66 at Brough is closed due to snow.

6:38pm

More snow is expected to spread through Britain tonight, mainly in southern and north eastern areas.

However, there may be a few light flurries of snow in the Lake District tonight and more snow tomorrow.

It's going to remain cold, with a good chance of icy roads tonight and tomorrow morning.

Keep an eye on this page in the morning for details of any school closures that may affect the area.

Don't forget to email your scenic Lake District photos to bob.hart@nqnw.co.uk

Here's the latest weather forecast for South Cumbria:

10:07am

SUNDAY

It remains cold in South Lakeland today, but there's no low-level snow expected in the region.

There be may some very isolated flurries up on the fells.

No problems are currently reported on the region's roads.

Here's the latest weather forecast:

 

7:38pm

It's still all quiet on the weather front in Cumbria.

Here's the latest forecast:

Don't forget to tweet your scenic photos to @gazettenewsdesk or email them to bob.hart@nqnw.co.uk

11:44am

A SHEEP stranded on a frozen pond near Staveley was enticed to safety by Kendal firefighters this morning.

The ewe became stuck after straying onto the ice in a field close to the Kendal-Windermere rail line.

Firemen encouraged the animal, which was unable to get a grip on the ice, to the edge of the pond which gave one officer a chance to pull it to safety.

9:37am

Don't forget we'd love to see your scenic photos of the Lake District in the snow - tweet them to @gazettenewsdesk or email them to bob.hart@nqnw.co.uk

9:36am

Cumbria hasn't seen much of the snow that was predicted earlier in the week, and although it remains cold no problems are reported on the roads this morning.

But drivers are reminded to take care, as there could be patches of ice here and there.

Here's the weather forecast for today:

3:23pm

Here's the latest weather forecast:

12:07pm

Have you taken any great snow photos? We'd love to see them! Email them to bob.hart@nqnw.co.uk or tweet them to bob.hart@nqnw.co.uk

7:26am

There are no school closures or problems on the roads reported in Cumbria so far this morning.

Keep an eye on this page for the latest updates.

Has it snowed where you are? Tweet your pictures to @gazettenewsdesk or email them to bob.hart@nqnw.co.uk

6:14pm

More snow could fall in Cumbria and East Lancashire on Friday - keep an eye on this page for regular updates on the weather and any disruption it might cause.

Here's the latest weather forecast for the region:

Here's the latest map from the Met Office showing expected snowfall for the whole country:

 

 

Comments(1)

nixon1 says...
3:50pm Wed 13 Feb 13

Seems like the WG are prompting us to maon about "empty grit bins & Ungritted roads" as opposed to enjoying it. Cheer up grumps.

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