By James Johnson

Last updated at 15:25, Wednesday, 17 October 2012

Motorists have been advised to avoid Whitehaven town centre due to flooding and road closures.

Flooding at Market Place, Whitehaven

There are reports of localised flooding caused by heavy rainfall.

Due to the weather, these streets are either flooded or will be temporarily closed by police for satety reasons:

• Market Street
• Tangier Street
• Roper Street
• Lowther Street
• Coach Road

Reports are also being received that parts of Hensingham are experiencing flooding. Police are diverting traffic from the Pelican Garage and Inkerman Terrace in Whitehaven. All motorists should avoid entering the town centre.

No evacuations have taken place.

There is a lot of standing water on roads and police are urging motorists to drive to the conditions, take extreme care and not attempt to drive through flood waters.

The road between Keekle and Summergrove, Whitehaven, has been closed due to flooding.

Montreal Primary School at Cleator Moor has closed early today due to the weather conditions. St Begh's School, Whitehaven, has also closed.

Firefighters with pumping equipment were called to Whitehaven’s Anchor Vaults pub in the Market Place. Flooding was also reported at St Bees and on the A5093 Millom.

A flood risk warning was earlier issued to residents and businesses in coastal areas of the county.

The Environment Agency warning extended from as far north as Gretna down to Silloth. There was also a less severe flood alert from Silloth down to Millom.

The warning was due to an expected high tide at about 1pm.

The areas under most threat included properties at Mossband Hall Marsh, Silloth, Burgh Marsh, Port Carlisle, Wampool Estuary, Skinburness Marsh and Rockcliffe.

The Environment Agency said that the high tide, in combination with south westerly winds, may cause flooding.

First published at 14:55, Wednesday, 17 October 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk