UK weather: Cars stranded as drivers ignore flood warnings after heavy rain
Vehicles have been left stranded after heavy rain caused flooding in Cumbria.
The region was hit by downpours on Wednesday, with several roads closed as a result.
Police warned drivers to avoid flooded roads. However, some motorists because stranded after ignoring the warnings.
A message on the Twitter account for Kendal and Lakes Police said: "We have received a number of calls regarding vehicles going through flood water and getting stranded!"
"The message is clear, if it looks too deep, it probably is and find an alternative route. Its not pleasant for us to push you out the water!"
We have received a number of calls regarding vehicles going through flood water and getting stranded! The message is clear, if it looks too deep, it probably is and find an alternative route. Its not pleasant for us to push you out the water! #NotWorthIt#YouAreNotABoat#999Wise
— Kendal&Lakes Police (@Kendal_Lakespol) November 22, 2017
Twitter user Martin A posted a picture of a car stuck in flood water in Seaton.
He said the female driver was rescued by a member of the public at about 11.30am.
But someone thought otherwise pic.twitter.com/DWIx8S7nT0
— Martin A (@AbdabMcTavish) November 22, 2017
A Cumbria Police spokesman said: "Drivers are asked to take care, slow down and not attempt to drive through flooded roads."
Fire crews were called to drain water from six properties on Winderbrowe Avenue in Keswick after flooding.
More than 20 schools in the area closed as a result of the floods on Wednesday.
The Environment Agency issued 14 flood alerts for Cumbria and eight flood warnings, which are issued when immediate action is required.
We have 14 flood alerts in place across #Cumbria this morning #TeamEA are out checking defences, clearing culverts & gullies. Check your flood risk #floodawarehttps://t.co/4eaXXiinpmpic.twitter.com/vYmDRN2aws
— Env Agency NW (@EnvAgencyNW) November 22, 2017
Bus services were cancelled and train lines at Aspatria and between Oxenholme and Windermere were blocked due to the floods.
The Met Office issued yellow warnings of wind and rain for the area until Thursday morning.
Here is how your afternoon is shaping up - it will be wet and windy for parts of the UK with the risk of gales across England and Wales pic.twitter.com/N8aY8PlmEV
— Met Office (@metoffice) November 22, 2017
The forecaster said heavy rain would continue across parts of north west Wales, northern England and southern Scotland through Wednesday but would gradually clear from the west overnight into Thursday.
Meanwhile, snow is forecast to hit parts of Britain on Wednesday night along with heavy rain and strong winds.
Heavy and persistent snow is forecast north of the border on Thursday morning, with 2 to 5cm likely for many parts and up to 20cm on the highest ground, the Met Office said.
“A yellow severe weather warning for #wind has been updated: https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs. Stay #weatheraware@metofficeuk” pic.twitter.com/BZq859pfU2
— Met Office (@metoffice) November 22, 2017
A yellow severe weather warning of snow has been issued for northern Scotland, valid from midnight until 1pm on Thursday.
It warns that some roads and railways are likely to be affected, with possible longer journey times for road, bus and train services.