FIVE flood alerts have been issued for different areas in Cumbria.

The Environment Agency (EA) has issued the following alerts - the third highest level of warning - for:

  • Upper River Derwent, Stonethwaite Beck, Derwent Water - River levels have risen at the Lodore river gauge due to heavy rainfall. Consequently, flooding of roads and farmland is possible between 7am and 6pm today (March 6). Low lying land and roads in the Seatoller, Stonethwaite, Rosthwaite, Grange-in-Borrowdale and Derwent Water shoreline areas may be affected. High river and lake levels are possible on the River Derwent, Stonethwaite Beck, Watendlath Beck, Derwent Water and their tributaries.
  • Rivers Lowther and Eamont - River levels have risen in the Upper Lowther area particularly Glenridding beck due to heavy rainfall. Consequently, flooding of roads and low lying land is possible. It is expected that river levels will remain high throughout today due to the continuation of heavy showers. EA staff have installed defences at Glenridding.
  • Upper River Eden - River levels are forecast to rise at the Appleby river gauge as a result of heavy rainfall. Consequently, flooding of roads and farmland is possible to begin between 9am and 3pm today. Low lying land and roads in the Ravenstonedale, Kirkby Stephen, Brough, Warcop, Great Asby, Great Ormside, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Bolton, Crosby Ravensworth and Morland areas may be affected. High river levels are possible on the River Eden, Scandal Beck, Swindale Beck, Crooks Beck, Asby Beck, River Lyvennet, Morland Beck and their tributaries. EA staff have cleared grids in the area.
  • Rivers Kent and Bela - River levels have risen at the Mint Bridge river gauge as a result of heavy rainfall. Consequently, flooding of roads and farmland is possible between 9am and 2pm today. Low lying land and roads in the Staveley, Ings, Burneside, Kendal, Garnett Bridge, Stainton, Sedgwick, Holme, Beetham and Milnthorpe areas may be affected. High river levels are possible on the Rivers Kent, Gowan, Sprint, Mint, Stock Beck, Stainton Beck, Peasey Beck, Farleton Beck, River Bela, Holme Beck and their tributaries. EA staff have cleared grids in the area.
  • Lower River Eden - River levels are predicted to rise at the Linstock river gauge due to heavy rainfall. Flooding of roads and farmlands is said to be possible.

The EA is advising motorists to plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.