Cumbria’s flood risk chief has given his predictions about how the ongoing storm will impact Eden as he issues advice to residents.
Stewart Mounsey said he didn’t expect the River Eden to go as high as other rivers in the county – particularly around the Keswick and West Cumbria areas – but that substantial rainfall is still expected.
Eastern parts of Eden are covered by a Met Office amber weather warning which predicts a medium risk level from rain until 11.59pm tomorrow. The rest of the district is covered by a less significant yellow warning for rain.
This will remain in force until 11.59pm on Friday. Flood alerts are currently in force for the rivers Lowther and Eamont and the middle River Eden.
Find out more about the flood alerts and warnings here.
River levels in the district remain at a level described as “normal” by the Environment Agency.
“Because of the way our weather is coming in we are not currently expecting the Eden to go as high as other rivers in the county,” said Mr Mounsey.
“Clearly, over three days that could change and we will keep people informed about that.
“We will be working really closely with the community groups such as Appleby Emergency Response Group and liaising with them around any flood risk or changes in that situation.”
When asked about whether the Eden area could see any flood warnings issued over the next few days, Mr Mounsey said: “At this point in time I would say it is too fine a thing to call.
“We will monitor and as soon as we get any indication it is likely to move to flood warnings we will talk with the community flood action groups and let them know, they are always our first port of call and then we will issue a flood warning.
“That is why signing up to our flood warnings is really important. The weather in Cumbria can change really quickly and the quickest way to get that information is through our flood warnings.”
Speaking about the risk for Glenridding and Eamont Bridge, Mr Mounsey added: “Pretty similar (to his predictions above surrounding Appleby). Clearly they’ve got Ullswater there so that does provide a little bit of a buffer.
“We have new defences at Glenridding, we have some new warnings in terms of level detectors, so we have additional information there. But the advice is the same as for all communities: be prepared, sign up to our flood warnings and prepare a plan.
“What I would encourage people to do is not to drive through that surface water if there are deep puddles, you are likely to lose your car and also then people have to come out and rescue you as well.
“Be really careful around rivers, riverside paths are going to be muddy, slippy, don’t yourself in danger by going close to rivers because they are going to be fast-flowing and they are going to be at high levels.
“I would really encourage people to stay away from rivers over the next three days.”
Mr Mounsey says he expects the area to still be feeling the effects of the storm into the weekend.
“Yeah, it depends very much on the weather patterns over the next few days but today and tomorrow is heavy rainfall, Friday is a yellow warning and it will be still be raining and the Eden is likely to still be high because it is a big catchment,” added Mr Mounsey.
