DRIVERS are being urged not to drive through floodwater as heavy rain continues to lash Cumbria.

A number of vehicles broke down on a key route through the Lake District as motorists attempted to drive through the A591 near Keswick.

St John in Vale and Thirlspot were both affected by surface water flooding.

Road conditions, particularly in west Cumbria, continued to deteriorate throughout the afternoon, police said.

The A595 was closed at Duddon Bridge, Millom, due to localised flooding.

Highways Agency staff were at the scene and police urged drivers to avoid the area and find alternative routes.

The B5289 Borrowdale Valley road was also flooded in parts and Stagecoach's 77a and 78 Lakes Connection services were affected.

The A595 closure came as officers received numerous reports of motoring disruption because of the weather.

It sparked an appeal from Cumbria Constabulary for motorists to slow down and adapt their driving according to the conditions as the bad weather moved through the area.

A Met Office severe weather warning for wind and rain was in place for Cumbria and south west Scotland into the evening.

Inspector Liz Salkeld said: "There have been numerous reports of minor road disruption across the county today due to rainfall. Whilst it is only minor disruption at this time we ask that motorists take care, slow down and drive to the conditions.

"Motorists should allow extra time for a journey and not attempt to drive through flooded roads.

"We also ask that those who are walking, or those planning to do so, ensure that they have all the appropriate equipment and are prepared for the changing conditions."

Up to two inches of rain was forecasted to fall over the hills in Cumbria with more than an inch on lower ground as the spell of unseasonal wind and downpours swept through the region.

A high tide was also expected along the coast prompting the Environment Agency to issue warnings of potential tidal spray and onshore flooding.

Tonight flood alerts - the lowest level of warning issued by the Environment Agency - are in place for:

* coast between Gretna and Carlisle

* Upper River Derwent, Stonethwaite Beck and Derwent Water due to the rising lake level around 6pm

* rivers Ehen, Calder, Irt and Esk in west Cumbria

* rivers Kent and Bela at Kendal

* rivers Brathay, Rothay and Winster near Windermere.

Forecasters say that a "vigorous" area of low pressure was tracking eastwards across the northern half of the UK.

Warnings for the south west of England were extended to cover northern regions, including Cumbria and south west Scotland.

A forecaster said: "A relatively deep depression crosses in a line from Northern Ireland to southern Scotland and into the North Sea by the end of Saturday.

"Around it, several "spiral" bands of heavy showers will affect the warning area, with 30mm of rain falling in a few hours in some places and perhaps 50mm overall across the hills.

"These amounts are by no means out of the ordinary for this area but may lead to impacts in view of anticipated holiday travel and activities."