THE A595 is understood to have reopened after it was closed in two places due to flooding.

A number of roads have been affected by heavy rainfall overnight, with firefighters attending the A595 at Bootle where the road was blocked because of severe flooding. Corney Fell was also understood to be unpassable and a multi-agency task force has been set up.

The A595 was closed in two places, at Bootle and Duddon Bridge, after flash floods led to evacuations and rescues. As of 1.50pm, the road is understood to have reopened.

A flood rescue boat from Cumbria Fire and Rescue in Workington is understood to be in Bootle .


Bootle Stores Bootle Stores was flooded this morning but is still open to customers.

Lauren Parkinson, who works at the store, says the situation is serious.

She said: "As far as I'm aware houses are being evacuated. The rain has subsided but the rivers are still pretty high.

"We're just trying to help people out as much as we can with things like sandbags."

The A5087 Coast Road has also been affected and there is surface water on several stretches of the A590 between Barrow and Ulverston .

MOTORIST RESCUED FROM SUBMERGED CAR

Duddon Bridge on the A595 is also affected, with the river level rising. Firefighters from Barrow and Ulverston were called to rescue a man from a submerged car at Duddon Bridge.

Jo McGrath, from Coniston, had just been to drop her mother off in Broughton and was heading towards Corney Fell when she spotted the car stuck in floodwater.
The submerged car

She said: "I saw the car along the way and saw that the lights were on. I didn't know if anyone was in it and I couldn't get a signal on my phone.

"There was a car further up the road which was all steamed up and people there were getting changed and had sticks by the car, so I assumed they had gone to check if anyone was in it.

"The fire brigade turned up so I left.

"There has been times when it's been like that before and there have been times when it's been worse than that but you don't usually see someone in the water with lights on in the car."

A multi-agency coordination group has been set up as partner agencies deal with localised flooding in Bootle and Millom.

Following persistent rainfall a small number of properties within Bootle have been evacuated today.

The road networks in and around both Bootle and Millom have also been affected with closures are in place at:

· A595 between Bootle and Ravenglass

· A595 at Corney Fell

· Duddon Bridge, Millom

The rainfall is expected to decrease in intensity over the next hour. Superintendent Justin Bibby, Cumbria Constabulary, said: “We have had some calls for service this morning due to the rainfall and the fire service have evacuated a small number of properties in Bootle.

“The flooding is on a small scale and the public can be reassured that the weather forecast is expected to be much more favourable throughout this afternoon.

“There is however some disruption on the A595 and other roads across the county. We ask that those driving stay clear of the closures in place and take care whilst travelling. If you do come across a flooded road, please do not attempt to travel through as you cannot be sure of the water’s depth.”

Keep an eye on the latest flood updates on the Environment Agency’s website via .gov.uk, Twitter or by calling the 24 hour floodline on 0345 988 1188.

Visit the Traffic Link map at www.cumbria.police.uk/traffic-link-map to keep up to date with the latest situation on the roads.

Keep up-to-date with the weather at www.metoffice.gov.uk. You can also contact the Cumbria Highways Hotline on 0845 609 6609.

RESIDENTS WARNED OF POSSIBLE FLOODING


Residents in Askam, Broughton, Kirkby and Millom are being warned of the possibility of flooding.

Heavy rainfall overnight, which has continued this morning, has led to the Environment Agency issuing a flood alert for the rivers Duddon , Crake and Mill Beck .

In its alert, the Environment Agency said: "River levels have risen in response to the overnight rain. The rain is forecast to pass over the area later this morning, with the rest of the day being much drier. The Environment Agency continues to monitor the situation."

RAIL SERVICES


Barrow railway station A number of rail services have been cancelled or delayed because of flooding on the line.

Services between Carlisle and Barrow are returning to normal following a signalling problem at St Bees and flooding between Bootle and Silecroft. Delays of up to 60 minutes may still occur until appoximately 14:00.

Heavy rain has flooded the railway between Lancaster and Preston causing disruption to journeys between these stations. This is expected to continue until 14:00. Trains may be delayed by up to 30 minutes or cancelled between Lancaster and Preston.