Floods hits Cumbria and Scotland with record rainfall
Evacuations are talking place across parts of north-west England today as days of continuous heavy rain has led to widespread flooding. Rain has been falling for more than 24 hours in some places, with further heavy rain forecast for the weekend. Cumbria was the worst hit region, with some places across the Lake District receiving 175mm (7 inches) of rain in just over 12 hours.
Flood defences at Cockermouth on the River Cocker were breached, leaving more than 1000 residents without power, some of whom had to be airlifted away.
The heavy rain was caused by a low pressure system to the west of the UK, which dragged up warm air from the Azores. As a result the air was able to hold more moisture than cooler air, resulting in the continuous heavy rainfall. The high ground around the Lake District and Southern uplands in Scotland enhanced the rain, leading to the high rainfall totals. Eskdalemuir, in Dumfries and Galloway received 103mm (4 inches) in 24 hours, compared with 3mm (0.1inches) over the other side of the southern uplands.
As of 11.00am Friday morning, 27 flood warnings were in effect across parts of the Midlands, Wales, North-east, and North-west England, 4 of which are severe.
While drier conditions are expected through Friday, forecasters are warning of more rain and gales over the weekend. They are keeping an eye on the wind direction, which when combined with the rain could well slow down the recovery for those affected regions.
