Flooding expected as warnings remain in force

The warnings signify flooding is expected rather than just possible

Three flood warnings remain in place in Cumbria after severe weather disrupted transport and cut power supplies.

Heavy rain caused by Storm Gerrit has left Derwentwater in Keswick and the River Eden in both Carlisle and Low Crosby at risk.

The storm caused "bedlam" in Greater Manchester as roofs were torn off houses.

Further heavy showers are forecast, potentially affecting travel, land and properties.

The Environment Agency (EA) said low-lying areas bordering the shores of Derwentwater and the frontage of Keswick Campsite were at risk.

River Eden water levels were expected to remain high during Thursday with low-lying roads, car parks and recreational facilities at Rickerby Park, Swifts, and Stoneyholme golf courses liable to flooding, it added.

The river was also high at Low Crosby and close to farms and residential properties in the Warwick Holmes area.

The River Eden crept up its banks at Rickerby Park in Carlisle

The Great Langdale valley in the Lake District recorded 80mm of rain on Wednesday, nearly half the usual 178mm monthly rainfall for December, the Met Office said.

Water levels in a number of rivers, lakes and reservoirs in the county have risen over the past 24 hours, though the EA said many were now "steady" or falling.

Among them is the River Eamont at Pooley Bridge, where the collapse of the village's bridge during Storm Desmond in 2015 left it cut off from the south of the county.

The EA said it was monitoring the situation across the county.

"You should avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water," it advised.

"Plan driving routes to avoid low-lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded."

Pooley Bridge collapsed during Storm Desmond in December 2015

Nine flood alerts - where flooding is possible - are still in place in the county.

A number of flood warnings - where flooding is expected - have been removed.

​Thousands of homes in the region lost power during the storm but most have had supplies restored.

Trains had been prevented from heading north because of flooding on the railway line between Carlisle and Lockerbie, and Avanti cancelled all trains north of Preston.

National Rail said both routes were now clear, but residual disruption could continue to affect some routes and passengers are advised to check before travelling.