A FLOOD alert has been issued for the river Eden in Carlisle.

The Environment Agency say river levels are expected to rise, with flooding of roads and farmland possible between 8pm tonight (Friday, August 9) and 1am on Saturday.

A spokesman said: "The level of the River Eden is forecast to rise at the Linstock river gauge as a result of persistent heavy rainfall on the Pennines throughout today.

"Low lying farmland and roads in the Crosby-on-Eden, Linstock, Rickerby Park and areas immediately adjacent the Lower River Eden being most at risk."

The spokesman added that flooding of properties is not forecast and no flood warnings are expected to be issued.

"The River Eden is expected to peak at Linstock Gauge at about midnight tonight at a level of around 3.0m.

"Further thunderstorms are forecast overnight and during Saturday.

"We are closely monitoring the situation closely.

"Our incident response staff are clearing grids and debris screens.

"Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses or driving through floodwater."