THE multi-agency response to Storm Arwen is continuing as the county experiences further adverse weather and continued power outage.

Power outages and community hubs

67,000 of homes have now had power restored and many further homes will have power restored by early evening.

However, due to the scale of the situation and continued hazardous conditions, up to 4,000 of households in Cumbria may be without electricity overnight.

The main areas where properties will largely remain without power are Alston and Coniston, with smaller isolated demographic areas across Cumbria.

Generators have been deployed to areas of Alston and Coniston to bring power back to hundreds of homes.

The following community hubs have been set up to support communities:

•    Coniston: Coniston Sports and Social Centre
•    Ambleside: Ambleside Parish on Vicarage Road (closes 5pm)

These centres have access to power and heating and are open to affected members of the community.

Water supplies

Some properties in the county are experiencing water supply issues.

United Utilities are working to restore effected homes with water. Fleets of water supply vehicles have been deployed and, where needed, alternative arrangements such as bottled water are being arranged.

Caring for the vulnerable

A strategic and coordinated effort is underway to support those who are without power or cut off due to snow, with provisions and supplies being prioritised to those deemed most vulnerable.

The activity has seen nurses, medication and provisions being transported to isolated rural communities.

Vulnerable persons without power or in isolated communities have been identified by the multiagency coordination group, who are conducting welfare checks.

However, the public are requested to continue to look after vulnerable people in their communities; anyone who is aware of an individual who is vulnerable is asked to check on them and support them, make sure they have the right medication and provisions.

Clearing the roads

Today, the county has seen additional heavy snowfall, and low temperatures that are expected to continue into the night, with some higher communities experiencing temperatures of -13.

Motorists are asked to only travel if essential and to take appropriate provisions. Warm clothing, food, drink, charged phone and a full tank of fuel are among the recommendations.

Cumbria County Councils Highways Teams and partner agencies have worked around the clock to clear blocked roads and grit roads.

All major roads are now open except the A595 Corney Fell to Duddon Bridge.

Many A, B, C and minor roads continue to be impacted by the snow and low temperatures. Gritters have been deployed across Cumbria all weekend and will continue to grit the counties roads into tomorrow.

Contact

  • To a report a problem on the roads: cumbria.gov.uk
  • For urgent power cuts contact Electricity North West on 105
  • For water supply issues contact United Utilities on 0345 672 3723
  • Adult Social Care on 01228 526690
  • Traffic updates cumbria.police.uk/traffic