Cumbria police are urging motorists to avoid the town centre in Whitehaven following localised flooding and heavy rainfall.

Due to the weather, the following streets are all experiencing flooding and either are or will be temporarily closed by police for satety reasons:

- Market Street
- Tangier Street
- Roper Street
- Lowther Street
- Coach Road

Reports are also being received that parts of Hensingham are experiencing flooding. Police will be diverting traffic from the Pelican Garage and Inkerman Terrace in Whitehaven. All motorists are urged to avoid entering the town centre at this time.

No evacuations have taken place at this time however police are in the local area, providing advice to residents and businesses.

There is a lot of standing water on local roads so police are urging motorists to drive to the conditions, take extreme care and not attempt to drive through flood waters.

Check the Traffic Link section of Cumbria Constabulary’s website (www.cumbria.police.uk/traffic ) which is designed to provide information about the current state of Cumbria’s roads and the immediate surrounding areas in relation to road traffic collisions, weather, and delays as a result of incidents and congestion. The information provided is sourced from police and the Highways Agency and is updated every 10 minutes.

Details of road closures can be found by logging on to www.bbc.co.uk/travelnews/local/cumbria.shtml or by listening to BBC Radio Cumbria. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/england/cumbria/
 
To keep up to date with flood warnings, visit the Environment Agency website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk

Check weather reports through your local media.