Heavy rain forecast for Cumbria on Boxing Day has caused the Met Office to issue a weather warning, as the authority names the latest storm bearing down on the UK.

Storm Bella will bring "strong winds" up to 70mph in some places, and "heavy rain" to the UK from Boxing Day.

A yellow weather warning for heavy rain has been issued by the Met Office for Boxing Day and December 27. It covers the entire county including the Carlisle, Penrith and Keswick areas, except for the very edge of its west coast including Whitehaven and Workington.

The Met Office has issued the following warning to residents in Cumbria:

  • Heavy rain combined with strong winds may lead to some disruption and flooding in places;
  • There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings;
  • There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life;
  • Where flooding occurs, there is a slight chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services;
  • Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures;
  • There is a slight chance of power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses;
  • There is a small chance that some communities become cut off by flooded roads.

The Met Office has said "strong south-westerly winds will develop across parts of northern England and the far south of Scotland on Saturday afternoon, before transferring south-eastwards across the rest of England and Wales into Sunday morning, clearing by early Sunday afternoon".

Deputy Chief Meteorologist Tony Wardle, added: “Conditions will turn very unsettled after Christmas day, with a large area of low pressure sweeping across the UK from Boxing Day. Very strong winds will impact much of England and Wales, with particularly strong gusts on south west facing coasts.

“Heavy rain will also move in from the north, with heavy downpours through the afternoon in Scotland and Northern Ireland moving south across England and Wales overnight. This will be a notable change from the calmer conditions over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day so take extra care and stay up to date with the latest forecast.”