Met Office issues rare 36-hour amber alert as more than 2 months worth of rain to fall

The deluge is expected to begin at 6am on Sunday 14, and continue until 6pm on Monday 15.

200mm of rain is expected to fall in some parts of western Cumbria, amounting to double the expected precipitation for the entire month in just 36 hours.

For the rest of the region, 100mm is to be expected over the same time scale.

The Met Office has warned that this will lead to fast flooding and deep floodwater, with some communities cut off by the deluge.

It also expects the weather to cause damage to buildings and cause major travel delays.

Power cuts and loss of other services are also said to be “likely”.

The Met advises those in Cumbria to prepare appropriately for the amber warning by taking actions like avoiding travelling by road during potentially dangerous conditions.

They also warn against any attempt to traverse floodwater.

Residents have been advised to assemble emergency kits containing essential documents and medications, relocate vehicles to elevated areas, and transfer valuable items to upper floors.

Weather experts also advise checking on vulnerable people that you know during the deluge.

These may include older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone; they may need support with food and medical supplies.

Elsewhere around the UK, yellow warnings are also in place for heavy rain.

From Saturday 13 to Monday 15, heavy rain is expected across much of northwestern England, Wales, Northern Ireland and southern Scotland.

While less severe than the amber warning in Cumbria, these wider regions also face harsh conditions.

There remains a small chance of flooding, which may still pose a danger to life. The slim chance of damaged buildings, cut off communities, and travel delays also remains.

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