A flood alert has been issued for the Lower River Eden as well as a snow and ice warning for eastern parts of the county.

The day's downpours have been particularly heavy in the central and western lakes areas, causing surface flooding on some roads.

As well as confirming the nine flood alerts which are currently in force across Cumbria, The Environment Agency issued a snow and ice warning for a swathe of east Cumbria, including the Brampton area.

This warning - indicating that ice is likely to be widespread as temperatures dip throughout Boxing Day - will remain in force until 11am on December 26, says the Agency.

Meanwhile, the River Eden in Carlisle was last night reported to have burst its banks in Rickerby Park. The current flood alerts in force include most of Cumbria's major river systems.

The continuing heavy rain has been falling on already saturated ground, reducing the capacity for water to be readily absorbed.

In a statement, the Met Office's chief forecaster said: "A further 30mm to 50mm of rainfall this afternoon and evening, including some heavy bursts, could lead to flooding in a few areas."

The weather warning applies across most of Cumbria and almost all of Scotland.

The flood warning currently in force is for Keswick Campsite. Such warnings are issued when flooding is expected and those at risk are urged to take immediate action.

The eight current flood alerts - which mean flood is possible - cover the following river systems:

* The Lower River Eden;

* Rivers Caldew and Petteril, (Carlisle area;

* The Rivers Cocker, Marron, and Derwent (west Cumbria);

* The Rivers Duddon, Crake, and Mill Beck, (south Cumbria);

* The Rivers Ehen, Calder, Irt and Esk (west Cumbria);

* The Upper River Derwent, Stonethwaite Beck and Derwent Water(Keswick area);

* The Rivers Brathay, Rothay, and Winster (south Cumbria);

* The Rivers Wampool and Ellen (Allerdale).

The Met Office warned yesterday that the county's high fells are likely to bear the brunt of the rainfall, and are expected to be deluged with up to three inches of rain on Christmas Day.

Forecaster Charlie Powell said: "December 25 is going to be a much wetter day.

"The highest bits of Cumbria could be looking at 60mm to 80mm - around three inches - of rain.

"But rainfall levels either side of the fells, and in Carlisle will be markedly less, with probably about an inch of rain."

He added that Boxing Day is likely to see drier weather, with more sunshine."

An Environment Agency spokeswoman said today that the flood alerts which were issued for Carlisle were a precaution.

You can keep updated by checking the Environment Agency website.

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