Last updated at 10:33, Sunday, 27 January 2013

A flood alert has been issued by the Environment Agency for rivers across Cumbria, including the Caldew and Petteril.

Flooding is possible for the Caldew and Petteril from the Lakeland fells to their confluences with the Eden in Carlisle, including Greystoke, Newton Reigny, Plumpton, Stockdalewath, Sebergham and Denton Holme in Carlisle.

Householders should be prepared to protect themselves, family, pets and property.

Alerts are also in place on the

• Rivers Wampool and Ellen
• Rivers Lowther and Eamont
• Rivers Kent and Bela
• Rivers Greta, St Johns Beck and Bassenthwaite Lake
• Rivers Esk and Irthing
• Rivers Ehen, Calder, Irt and Esk
• Upper River Derwent, Stonethwaite Beck and Derwent Water
• Rivers Duddon, Crake and Mill Beck
• Rivers Cocker, Marron and Derwent
• Rivers Brathay, Rothay and Winster
• Upper River Eden
• Lower River Eden
• Middle River Eden

Persistent rain moved in from the west late yesterday afternoon.

It was expected to affect the whole of Cumbria, with the heaviest bursts over higher ground.

Ten to 20mm was expected widely at low levels with 30 to 40mm over higher ground and up to around 50mm over the highest ground.

The rain combined with widespread snowmelt has led to the possibility of flooding to low lying land and roads.

First published at 15:09, Saturday, 26 January 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk