MOST of the roads closed earlier today in Cumbria have reopened following disruption caused by strong winds.

Inkerman Terrace to Loop Road in Whitehaven remains closed due to reports from the Esso garage that approximately six corrugated steel roof panels are appearing unsafe and may fall off.

People are asked to avoid the area while the situation is assessed.

There are also concerns about the Whitehaven Sports Centre and that building’s roof stability.

The A5087, at the junction with road to Leece, Goadbarrow and Dendron remains closed due to flooding in the area and debris on the road.

Police ask motorists to avoid the area and use alternative routes.

The Whitehaven Harbour wall has sustained damage and the area has been cordoned off.

A road in Low Biggins, Kirkby Lonsdale, was closed earlier today after a sycamore tree fell onto the roof of a nearby house.

Owner Mark Bennett was inside at the time and described hearing 'a thunderous crash' before the electricity went off.

"There's substantial damage to the roof and guttering but it's remarkable that none of the windows smashed and no-one was hurt."

Earlier today firefighters rescued two people trapped in their car in flood water in Milnthorpe.

The two men had been travelling from the direction of Arnside when they became stuck on Park Road in water over two foot deep.

Firefighters carried both men from the car.

Motorists are being warned to avoid coastal roads and pathways as the  Cumbrian coast was hit by flooding after lunchtime high tides.

The B5282 at The Ship Inn, Sandside, was blocked and bystanders said the water was at its highest level since the 2009 floods.

The Little Shop in Arnside was forced to close its doors this morning as bad weather had affected the electricity. 

The A5087, at the junction with road to Leece, GoadBarrow and Dendron is closed due to flooding in the area and debris on the road.

People are asked to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.

The A66 is now re-opened to all vehicles following the earlier precautionary closure by Durham Constabulary to high-sided vehicles.

The M6 at junction 40 is now reopened after a van ended up on its side - the driver did not sustain any injuries.

Recovery is still to take place of the HGV on the M6 between Junction 44 and 45 but lanes are now open to allow traffic through.

High waters also threatened Arnside and Morecambe, while Vickerstown on Walney was cut off completely.

The Walney Promenade and Coast Road in Barrow is currently subject of high tide and strong winds, which is resulting in dangerous conditions.

The A595 at Muncaster has also been affected by the weather, and is closed due to flooding.

There is a vast amount of water on the road which making it impassable. Motorists are being asked to use alternative routes.road and pathways.

Electricity North West confirmed that 449 customers in Ambleside were affected by a power cut at 11.35am, although only 13 are still without power.

A spokesperson said engineers were on site to get the remaining homes up and running as soon as possible.

In Morecambe, cars were floating in sea water in a gym car park, while customers were left trapped inside.

Liverpool Coastguard said they had been busy around the Lancashire coast throughout the day and confirmed a number of vehicles were floating in several places.

A spokesperson confirmed that teams would be on standby to help reunite people with any boats which have drifted off.

Fire crews were called to the BP garage on Lancaster Road, Carnforth, after high winds damaged the roof.

Three HGVs were blown over late this morning, one on the M6 between junctions 39 and 38.

Two further incidents were reported at the Mossband Flyover between junctions 44 and 45, near Carlisle and the M6 northbound at junction 40 (Penrith).

Cumbria Police have confirmed that the incidents were caused by the strong winds blowing the vehicles over.

Police have confirmed that disruption remains on the following roads:
• B5299 Dalston Road at Lingley close junction closed due to fallen tree, this is the main road between Carlisle and Dalston
• A595, two miles from the Belle Vue roundabout, Cockermouth to Carlisle closed due to fallen tree

People are advised to only travel if their journey is essential and seek alternative routes in those areas which are affected.

Loop Road in Whitehaven has now reopened following the removal of the tree that was obstructing the road.

Meanwhile all train lines are currently blocked between Oxenholme Lake District and Penrith North Lakes.

Virgin Trains said a tree had fallen onto the West Coast Main Line at Oxenholme and caught fire after hitting the overhead power lines.

Homes in Bowness and Windermere have been among the 4,000 Electricity North West customers left without power after gusts of more than 50mph hit Cumbria this morning.

Residents are expected to have power back between 9.30am and 3.30pm.

Other areas affected include around the Carlisle area, Carleton, Shap and Stainburn.

A spokesman for Electricity North West said: “Engineers will work to restore customers as soon as possible.”

Today's planned Budget Consultation at Kirkby Lonsdale Market has been cancelled as a result of the bad weather.

Windermere Ferry is not operating today due to strong winds, while Brockhole Centre have confirmed that the grounds are currently closed as a result of the storms.

The Environment Agency has issued a Flood Warning for North Morecambe Bay including Roosebeck, Canal Foot, East Plain Farm, Arnside and Sandside, and a Flood Alert for Coastline from Heysham to Carnforth.

Northern Rail plan to run a normal timetable today but passengers have been warned to be prepared for possible delays caused by the poor weather, on the following routes:

•Darlington - Newcastle
•Newcastle - Morpeth and Chathill
•Bishop Auckland - Saltburn
•Middlesbrough - Hexham via Sunderland and Newcastle
•Carlisle - Newcastle
•Preston - Carlisle via Oxenholme
•Preston - Carlisle via Barrow
•Blackpool North / Blackpool South - Preston
•Skipton - Morecambe / Carlisle

All trains in Scotland have been suspended, with services in Cumbria north of Preston being affected.

On Great Dun Fell, in the North Lakes, 104mph wind has been recorded - the second highest in the UK.