HEAVY downpours are forecast for Cumbria this evening with flood alerts issued by the Environment Agency for a number of rivers in the south and west of the county.

The rain is predicted to move across the North West and the EA is expecting some flooding impacts to low lying land and roads. There is some potential for surface water flooding and minor becks and streams may react but the EA is not expecting flooding to properties from larger rivers and becks.

Flood alerts have been issued for the following rivers in South Lakeland:
* Rivers Kent and Bela
* Rivers Brathay, Rothay and Winster
* Rivers Duddon, Crake and Mill beck

The rain is expected to move away in the early hours of Saturday morning leaving the rest of the weekend reasonably dry and bright.

For further information on the Flood Alerts in place, how to register for Flood Warnings or to find out how to be prepared for flooding visit www.gov.uk/flood or ring Floodline on 0345 988 1188.