LOCAL people are being urged to ‘be prepared and take care’ as the county braces itself for more bad weather.

Cumbria Police are urging people to stay away from coastlines and exposed locations and to drive with care, with a flood warning now in place for several locations around Morecambe Bay.

“People should take their time and be mindful of the road conditions,” said a spokeswoman for the force.

“Keep a safe distance from other cars and slow down when driving through standing water.

“Please do not drive through flood water that you cannot perceive the depth of, no matter what vehicle you are driving.”

The weather forecast for today is for 60mph winds and high tides.

It prompted the Environment Agency to issue a flood warning – the second most serious – for Roosebeck, Canal Foot, Arnside and Sandside, where tides could reach heights of 9.5m this afternoon.

"Due to a combination of high tides, strong winds and large waves, onshore flooding may occur," said a spokesman for the agency.

"Winds of up to 60mph are expected in coastal areas."

According to the agency the high tide is expected at around 2.45pm, although conditions will apply two to four hours either side of high tide.

"The risk of flooding could continue," said John Curtin, head of incident management at the Environment Agency.

"We would again remind people to avoid coastal paths and promenades which could be dangerous.”

The warnings follow several days of high tides which saw water overtop at locations around the bay, including Sandside, Arnside and Canal Foot.

And the A5087 at Ulverston remains closed today after being damaged by flood water last week.

The Coast Road, leading to Barrow, has suffered subsidence following a tidal surge on Friday and will be shut between Lund Road and Leece Lane until Tuesday.

To keep up to date with the latest weather warnings please visit the Environment Agency website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk

Please send your flooding pictures to anna.clarke@nqnw.co.uk or tweet them to @annageorgina