26/08/2009

'Bill' Hits North Of England

A severe weather warning is in into force today across Cumbria with gale-force winds and heavy rain forecast.

The Met Office has issued a flash warning for the north and west of the county from 8.30am (Wednesday) and motorists are being urged to take extra care.

The heavy rain and gale force winds are said to be the after effects of Hurricane Bill, the category three tropical storm which caused destruction on the east coast of America earlier this month.

It is thought that up to 15mm of rain could fall in just three hours this morning especially on higher ground and forecasters are warning walkers that conditions could be dangerous on the fells.

Cumbria police are also warning motorists to drive to the weather conditions, if faced with heavy rain, and keep speed down.

A spokesman for the Met office said: "Rain will be heavy at times this morning and will give accumulations of more than 15 mm in three hours in places, mainly on higher ground and especially over southern and western facing slopes, with some places receiving overall totals exceeding 30 mm."

In the north and west of the county there will be 15 mph winds with gusts of up to 29 mph today, rain is expected to clear this afternoon and temperatures will reach 15C later this afternoon.

However, some sunshine is expected in West Cumbria tomorrow afternoon with temperatures reaching 15C.

(BMcC/GK)

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