STORM Erik brought heavy rain and winds of up to 70mph across the county, bringing a wave of disruption on the roads, and prompting numerous flood alerts.

Motorists reported poor visibility on the M6, and a lorry was ‘blown off’ the motorway on the southbound carriageway before Tebay services on Friday morning.

A number of roads, including the A7 at Westlinton, were also closed due to flooding.
Speed restrictions of 50mph were brought in between J38 at Tebay and J39 at Shap due to the strong winds.

A yellow weather warning in place for wind was brought into effect just after midnight, and remains in place until 3pm this afternoon.

A Met Office spokesman said: “A swathe of very strong westerly winds is expected to move east through Saturday morning, easing from the west during the day.

“Inland gusts of 55mph are expected quite widely, with some places having gusts to 70mph, more particularly around exposed coasts and hills.”

“People are being warned to be cautious while out as there is a risk of surface water, high-sided vehicles might find travelling difficult with the the risk of roads like the A66 getting closed to them.

“Power loss is expected and trees are likely to come down through the worst of it.”

Meanwhile, the county has a number of flood alerts, affecting the rivers Caldew, Derwent, Eamont, Eden, Lowther, Petteril, and Stonethwaite Beck, with a flood warning in place for Keswick Campsite.

A flood alert also remains in place along the Cumbrian coast, from Silloth and St Bees Head to Millom.

Police have also advised motorists to take care when driving during the heavy rain and strong winds on the roads.

A spokesman from Cumbria Police said: “Please be sure to allow your extra time during your travels and check road conditions before setting off.“