Cumbria readies itself for Storm Jocelyn in wake of Storm Isha

Cumbria’s partners continue to work together to deal with the severe weather that not one, but two storms have brought into the area.

Work is still ongoing dealing with the aftermath of Storm Isha – with over 1800 properties in Cumbria with no power, flooding and ongoing impacts on the county’s transport networks.

Agencies from across Cumbria have well worked together since the weekend to handle the severe weather brought to our County by Storm Isha and they are now planning for the impact of Storm Jocelyn, which currently is a yellow warning, but is bringing significant rain fall on top of already sodden ground. Which means Cumbria already has several flood alerts and river warnings in place.

Partners continue to work together to support any residents, communities and businesses affected by the weather especially the most vulnerable in our community.

The public continue to be asked to follow the advice being shared across social media and in the media to keep themselves, their families and their communities safe.

Chief Superintendent Carl Patrick, of Cumbria Constabulary, is chairing the Local Resilience Forum response to the weather events of recent days.

He said:

“The two storms combined – and the preparations leading up to them – have been going on for a number of days now. But we must stress the advice we have been giving out with the aim of keeping people safe is still as relevant now as ever, especially with the arrival of the latest warnings.

“What we would especially emphasise at this time is the need for the public to remember the vulnerable people in their communities. The agencies involved in this are aware of the vulnerable but we would urge anyone who has vulnerable friends, family or neighbours just to take time to check they are OK – and ask if they need anything. A friendly enquiry at this stage could help them if they are struggling and would also offer reassurance at a time that can be frightening for some. Please also advise them about the storm and the advice about keeping safe and being careful.

“We would ask people not to travel unless necessary during the storm. On Sunday, during the last storm, the impact on our roads could be clearly felt. At Cumbria Police we had nearly 120 reports of either road traffic collisions, highway disruptions or road-related offences – on an average day in January we get about 42. Our highways colleagues at both local councils also received more than 100 reports each as well.

“The weather is forecast to get progressively worse and stronger over the day and people should expect delays at the rush hour – and plan accordingly. Our advice would be: if you don’t have to travel, stay at home. If people are driving, please do so with care and always drive to the conditions. Please keep up to date with travel alerts and plan your route accordingly.

“The public can be reassured that our multi-agency response has been running for several days in preparation for this and all agencies continue to work together to protect our communities.

“We would just ask people to follow the advice, stay at home as much as possible and look after the vulnerable in your communities.”

Residents are still being asked to:

• Secure any loose items around your home and garden, such as rubbish bins, trampolines, plant pots and garden furniture, to minimise the risk of floating debris and damage.
• Speak to vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours – advise them and ensure they are prepared in case of power outages.
• Stay away from the fells well in advance of the affected times to keep you and mountain rescue volunteers safe.
• Do not drive through flood water if coming across flooding – take an alternative route.
• Check your torch batteries, radio and try to ensure phones are charged up in advance of the affected times.
• Park vehicles in a garage if available – otherwise keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls and fences if possible.
• Be aware of the latest weather warnings and avoid planning travel during this time if possible.
• If you must travel during this time do so with caution – pack your car with essentials, plan your route and listen to travel updates.
• Do not touch any telephone or electrical cables that may have blown down.

To report any issues – or if you need help for yourself or someone vulnerable – please see the following agencies’ updates and contact details.

For the latest information and updates please follow:

• Cumbria police on twitter/X @CumbriaPolice or on Facebook here
• Cumberland Council Twitter/x at @CumberlandCoun and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CumberlandCouncil1
• Westmorland and Furness Highways Twitter/X at:https://twitter.com/WandFHighways and Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/WestmorlandFurnessCouncil/

ADDITIONAL SPECIFIC AGENCY UPDATES

Highways

Highways teams from both Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council continue to worked tirelessly to respond to calls of fallen trees, debris, flooding and other road related issues. Up to date information on road closures is being shared via social media.

Schools

A small number of schools have not opened today and this is mainly due to loss of power in certain areas. The latest school closures information is available via the Council’s websites (Cumberland.gov.uk or Westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk)  or direct from your school.

Waste and recycling services

Following the ongoing severe weather roads continue to be affected by flooding and fallen trees. Highways teams have worked hard all weekend to keep most major roads open, however teams are still dealing with issues on many minor roads and expect more reports to come in today. Therefore residents are warned this may well cause disruption to our scheduled waste and recycling collections for the next couple of days. Both councils will work hard to try and minimise any impact and disruption.

Electricity North West

Key messages to customers:

1. Electricity North West is prepared for the storm with extra teams on standby – if you lose power, check for updates at www.enwl.co.uk/powercuts, or call for free on 105
2. If you see damaged equipment stay well clear as it may still be live, and call Electricity North West immediately on 105 who will make it safe. If there is danger to life, call 999.
3. If you have medical needs or need additional support in a power cut, join Electricity North West’s free extra care register. Go to www.enwl.co.uk/extracare or call 105.

Our social channels which I’m sure you already know are:

• twitter.com/electricitynw
• www.facebook.com/ElectricityNorthWest
• www.linkedin.com/company/electricity-north-west/

Environment Agency

As at 1.00pm on 23 Jan Cumbria has 9 Flood Alerts and 3 Flood warnings (Appleby, Rickerby Park, Keswick Campsite). There will be rain through the afternoon on already very wet conditions.  Continue to check EA social media and weather reports for the lates information. 

Key Contacts

For water supply issues contact United Utilities on 0345 672 3723

– Problems with the roads in Cumberland can be reported to Cumberland Council via the council’s website www.cumberland.gov.uk or, in an emergency, on the Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3736. 

– For Westmorland and Furness, report highways emergencies that require immediate attention such as a fallen tree or flooding to the authority’s Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3306. For less serious issues, complete the highways online reporting form found at westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.

– Keep up-to-date with the weather at www.metoffice.gov.uk

– For latest traffic and roads information visit: Traffic – Cumbria Constabulary

– Contact www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it  or call 101 if you have concerns about your own safety and wellbeing, or the safety and wellbeing of someone you know. If there is an immediate risk to life call 999. 

Trading standards

BE WARY OF ROGUE TRADERS OFFERING TO REPAIR STORM ISHA DAMAGE

We would like to remind residents looking to have Storm Isha or Storm Jocelyn damage repaired not to accept work from cold callers on the doorstep.

Sadly, major weather events can cause an uprise in rogue traders looking for opportunities to make extra money.

Our advice is to always:

– Get a quote in writing

– Check reviews / word of mouth

– Say “No” to cold callers

Report cold callers to us on 0808 223 1133

North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Trust

Community nursing and therapy teams are working with partners to make sure that we reach patients who need to be seen.  We’re having difficulties accessing some areas due to the weather but we are maintaining all essential visits with the support of partners including the fire service and Cumbria 4×4. If you have not received a scheduled visit and are concerned then please contact us on 01946 853333 then select the option for your area.

Please do attend any NHS appointments that you have, where it is safe to do so, and if you are not able to attend please call the service to reschedule.”

University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust

Due to increased pressures, we have taken the decision to escalate to OPEL 4 – the highest level of internal escalation. This allows us to be able to take additional steps to maintain safe services.  

Find out more ‘OPEL 4’ declared at UHMBT due to increasing pressures :: University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust 

What can you do to help? 

If you are not contacted directly, please continue to turn up for your appointment. Please also contact the number on your appointment letter if you are no longer able to make your appointment so it can be reallocated to another patient.

Our teams continue to work exceptionally hard; and we would like to reassure our patients and the public that in spite of the challenges faced, essential services remain fully open for anyone who needs them so if you require urgent medical help, please continue to come forward. 

The public can help us manage these periods of demand by ensuring they are seeking help from the most appropriate health services, and only attending A&E for serious accidents and emergencies. If you are unwell, visit NHS 111 online for 24/7 advice about the most appropriate care for your needs. 

Our teams continue to work exceptionally hard; and we would like to reassure our patients and the public that in spite of the challenges faced, essential services remain fully open for anyone who needs them.