Wet weather across the county accounted for an increase in collisions on Eden roads this weekend, according to the fire service.
Crews from Penrith, Shap, Kirkby Stephen and Appleby were called out to a range of crashes in the last two days, with two ultimately resulting in deaths.
Emergency services were first called at around 5.55am yesterday to a crash on the A66 near Kirkby Thore involving a HGV and a Honda car.
The Honda driver, a man in his 70s from Leeds, died shortly after reaching hospital.
At 9am, emergency services then responded to a crash on the Appleby bypass, opposite Cafe Sixty Six, on the westbound carriageway.
The collision involved a Red Saloon BMW 330.
The driver, who was the only occupant in the car, a man in his 20s from Maidenhead, died at the scene.
With more rain predicted, and weather warnings for wind set to come into force on Wednesday, a spokesman for Penrith Fire Station said: “Please take extra care whilst driving In this severe weather and allow extra time for your journey.”
On top of the two fatal crashes – there were a number of other incidents. The crew at Appleby responded to three collisions over the weekend, the Kirkby Thore crash as well as a one-vehicle incident at Coupland Beck, near Appleby on Saturday morning which involved the use of cutting equipment and a wince.
Kirkby Stephen crews were also in attendance. A spokesman for the Appleby Station added: “Take care on the roads.”
At 2pm yesterday the crew from Shap responded to a car stuck in floodwater.
More heavy rain and hill snow is predicted overnight and will continue for the rest of the week.
