Weather safety
Please take extra care on the roads during periods of poor weather, including snow, ice, heavy rain and strong winds.
Be aware that during periods of strong winds, you may come across unexpected debris in the road including fallen branches and trees.
Stopping distances are greater during periods of icy or particularly wet weather so please always drive to the conditions of the road.
- Not to travel unless necessary.
- Secure any loose items around your home and garden, such as rubbish bins, trampolines, plant pots and garden furniture, to minimise the risk of floating debris and damage.
- Speak to vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours – advise them and ensure they are prepared in case of power outages.
- Stay clear of coastal areas during the affected times.
- Stay away from the fells to keep you and mountain rescue volunteers safe.
- Do not drive through flood water if coming across flooding – take an alternative route.
- Check your torch batteries, radio and try to ensure phones are charged up in advance of the worst-affected times.
- Park vehicles in a garage if available – otherwise keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls and fences if possible.
- If you must travel during this time do so with caution – pack your car with essentials, plan your route and listen to travel updates.
- Do not touch any telephone or electrical cables that may have blown down.
- Be aware your journey to work or school tomorrow may be impacted.
How to report weather issues
To report any issues - or if you need help for yourself or someone vulnerable - please see the following agencies’ contact details.
Electricity North West can be contacted on 105 for power cuts, but please only call if your query is urgent to help prioritise customers in the most vulnerable circumstances. For more information, please visit Electricity North West (enwl.co.uk).
For water supply issues contact United Utilities on 0345 672 3723.
Problems with the roads in Cumberland can be reported to Cumberland Council via the council's website Welcome to Cumberland | Cumberland Council or, in an emergency, on the Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3736.
For Westmorland and Furness, report highways emergencies that require immediate attention such as a fallen tree or flooding to the authority’s Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3306. For less serious issues, complete the highways online reporting form found at Welcome to Westmorland and Furness | Westmorland and Furness Council.
Keep up-to-date with the weather at Weather and climate change - Met Office.
Check for flooding at: Check for flooding - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Contact Report a crime | Cumbria Police or call 101 if you have concerns about your own safety and wellbeing, or the safety and wellbeing of someone you know. If there is an immediate risk to life call 999.
For information on National motorways and major roads visit: National Highways
For the latest information and updates follow:
For the latest information and updates follow:
For latest traffic and roads information visit: Traffic - Cumbria Constabulary.
Prepare for a flood and get help during and after
- planning for flooding before it happens
- what to do during a flood
- recovering and cleaning up after a flood
- Think about flooding before it happens. Sign up for free flood warnings and create a
personal flood plan. - Try to avoid contact with flood water. Do not drive through flood water and do not let children play in flood water.
- Feeling distressed after a flood is normal. Support from family and friends is important during the recovery process.
- Do not use petrol or diesel generators indoors to dry out your home. The exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which can kill.
- When cleaning up after a flood, wear rubber gloves, boots and eye protection, and wash hands afterwards.
Flood information
For further information on preparing for a flood visit the following websites.