Huge 30-mile long flood alert issued as 'heavy and thundery' showers forecast

29 August 2023 , 13:41

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Parts of Cumbria, near to areas which endured flooding in 2021, have been warned about the weather (Image: Jordan Crosby)

A 30-mile stretch of British coast is subject to a fresh flood alert as "potentially heavy and thundery" downpours are on their way - at the end of a wet August.

Settlements along the coast in Cumbria - between Silloth in the north and Saint Bees in the south - have been warned to prepare for flooding from the Irish Sea during the next 24 hours or so. Low-lying areas, such as Allonby, Maryport and Workington, are at particular risk, the message from Environment Agency says.

Residents on the stretch of coast, which is around 30 miles, should monitor local water levels and weather conditions, an avoid using low-lying footpaths. The patch is at the top of the Irish Sea and part of the Channel of the River Esk and the River Eden's estuary, both of which run into the sea from the north of the county near Carlisle.

Environment Agency has issued a map of the areas subject to the flood alert

Bands of rain will move in from the west in the next 24 hours, the Met Office says. The heaviest of these will fall across Scotland, and will be thundery, but the consequence will be unpleasant weather across Cumbria.

The service's website says: "The band of rain will continue to move south-eastwards on Tuesday with sunny spells either side. Scotland and Northern Ireland will also see some further showers, potentially heavy and thundery. Temperatures close to normal for late August.

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"Cloud with showery outbreaks of rain clearing eastwards with clear spells developing for many. Some showers persisting across parts of Scotland and northwest England. Cooler than previous than the night."

Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan told the Mirror that up to 10mm of rain could fall in Cumbria and neighbouring Lancashire over the next 24 hours. He added: "There was a lot of rain there over the weekend and that could partly be why the ground is saturated."

Persistent and heavy rain caused water levels to rise in Cumbria in the past (PA)

Yesterday, the village of Warcop in Cumbria saw the most rain of anywhere in the UK. It is on the River Eden, but approximately 60 miles inland from the coast in question.

Environmental Agency's flood alert reads: "Flooding is possible in this area... Monitor local water levels and weather conditions. Avoid using low-lying footpaths or entering areas prone to flooding. Start acting on your flood plan if you have one.

"Flood alert area: Low-lying areas along the coast from Silloth to St Bees Head including Allonby, Maryport, Flimby, Workington, Parton and Whitehaven."

In 2009, Workington and the surrounding area suffered devastating flooding. On that occasion, the Environment Agency said there had been 12.4inches of rainwater in 24 hours - the highest-ever recorded in England at the time. Raging floodwater swept away bridges, wrecked roads and forced the evacuation of hundreds of people from their swamped houses as the Rivers Derwent and Cocker both burst their banks.

Bradley Jolly