North west England sees flood alerts after heavy rainfall
There are currently nine flood warnings and 12 flood alerts in place across north west England after heavy rainfall caused localised flooding and led to major disruption overnight.
A number of roads were closed and residents evacuated from their homes. Lancaster and Galgate were the worst affected with a number of properties flooded.
Lancashire Police, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, The Environment Agency and Lancaster City Council responded jointly to over 500 calls related to flooding and attended over 100 incidents across the county.
Over 70 people and a number of livestock and pets were rescued. Farmland remains drenched in some areas of the Lancashire and Cumbria.
Environment Agency staff are out on the ground checking flood defences and clearing debis from rivers and will remain throughout the day.
Residents are advised by the EA to stay away from swollen rivers and flood water and are urged not to drive through flooding, just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move a car.
A spokesman for Lancashire Constabulary said: "All agencies worked really hard in a co-ordinated effort to minimise disruption and protect the public and we will continue to support those communities worst affected.”
"The focus is now firmly on supporting those communities which have been most affected.”
The Met Office said about 43mm (1.7in) of rain had fallen in 24 hours in parts of Lancashire, while further north in Cumbria about half a month’s rain, 89mm (3.5in), was recorded in 36 hours.
Flooding tips
Weather events can cause huge disruption to daily routines for homes and businesses.
From storms and flooding to snow and ice, extreme weather doesn’t discriminate and there’s nothing that can be done to stop it, but there are things that can be done to prepare for it. NFU Mutual has wrote some helpful tips:
• Keep properties and businesses in good repair, adequately insulated and lagged
• Keep drains and gullies clear of blockages, leaves and debris
• Regularly check weather forecasts and warnings
• Keep an emergency pack in a dry, cool place with some basic provisions: torches, first aid kits, spare clothing, etc.
• Avoid using cars and other motor vehicles when road conditions are treacherous and ensure they are parked in a safe place
• Be a ‘good neighbour’ and check on vulnerable people in your local area
• Use a ‘common sense’ approach
• Check that your insurance policies have the right cover for you.
