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Flooding hits rain-battered north Flooding hits rain-battered north
(19 minutes later)
Heavy rain has brought floods to north-western parts of the UK, with Dumfries and Galloway and Cumbria the worst hit.Heavy rain has brought floods to north-western parts of the UK, with Dumfries and Galloway and Cumbria the worst hit.
The Environment Agency has now issued five severe flood warnings in Cumbria and three in Scotland.The Environment Agency has now issued five severe flood warnings in Cumbria and three in Scotland.
Its Floodline service has received more than 7,000 calls from members of the public in the past 24 hours.Its Floodline service has received more than 7,000 calls from members of the public in the past 24 hours.
Seathwaite, Shap and Keswick in Cumbria recorded rainfall of 173mm (6.8in), 71.6mm (2.8in) and 64.2mm (2.5in) respectively in a 24-hour period.Seathwaite, Shap and Keswick in Cumbria recorded rainfall of 173mm (6.8in), 71.6mm (2.8in) and 64.2mm (2.5in) respectively in a 24-hour period.
Eskdalemuir in Dumfries and Galloway had 57.8mm (2.3in).Eskdalemuir in Dumfries and Galloway had 57.8mm (2.3in).
The five severe flood warnings in Cumbria are in Cockermouth, Keswick and Eamont Bridge plus two in Burneside. In Scotland they are at Ettrick Water, Yarrow Water and Teviot Water.The five severe flood warnings in Cumbria are in Cockermouth, Keswick and Eamont Bridge plus two in Burneside. In Scotland they are at Ettrick Water, Yarrow Water and Teviot Water.

BBC WEATHER24-hour forecast

Forecast published at 1200 BST, 19 November 2009UK forecast at BBC Weather

BBC WEATHER24-hour forecast

Forecast published at 1200 BST, 19 November 2009UK forecast at BBC Weather
The BBC Weather Centre said winds are expected to gust up to 70mph (112km/h) in some areas.The BBC Weather Centre said winds are expected to gust up to 70mph (112km/h) in some areas.
Forecaster Tomasz Schafernaker said he expected there to be a brief respite from the rain on Friday, but this would be followed by another spell of wet weather on Saturday.Forecaster Tomasz Schafernaker said he expected there to be a brief respite from the rain on Friday, but this would be followed by another spell of wet weather on Saturday.
He said the threat of flooding was not necessarily because of torrential rain but because the ground had become saturated from persistent, heavy downpours.He said the threat of flooding was not necessarily because of torrential rain but because the ground had become saturated from persistent, heavy downpours.
As well as a total of 26 flood warnings in the Midlands, Wales and north-east and north-west England, there are also a further 53 less serious flood watches.As well as a total of 26 flood warnings in the Midlands, Wales and north-east and north-west England, there are also a further 53 less serious flood watches.
In Scotland, 16 flood warnings and 18 flood watches are in force.In Scotland, 16 flood warnings and 18 flood watches are in force.
The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings, with up to 250mm of rain (9.8in) possible on higher ground. The Cumbrian Fells, in particular, could experience significant downpours.The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings, with up to 250mm of rain (9.8in) possible on higher ground. The Cumbrian Fells, in particular, could experience significant downpours.
In Carlisle, officials worked through the night to erect temporary flood defences for 400 properties.In Carlisle, officials worked through the night to erect temporary flood defences for 400 properties.
The Environment Agency has advised people to check on elderly neighbours, move valuables to safety and be ready to turn off power supplies.The Environment Agency has advised people to check on elderly neighbours, move valuables to safety and be ready to turn off power supplies.
People trappedPeople trapped
A spokesperson said: "Environment Agency teams are working around the clock, monitoring river levels and are out on the ground checking flood defences and clearing debris from rivers."A spokesperson said: "Environment Agency teams are working around the clock, monitoring river levels and are out on the ground checking flood defences and clearing debris from rivers."
Cumbria Police said on Wednesday night there was a large flood on the A69 at Warwick Bridge, in Carlisle, which was approximately 70 yards (64m) long, but that the road was passable with care.Cumbria Police said on Wednesday night there was a large flood on the A69 at Warwick Bridge, in Carlisle, which was approximately 70 yards (64m) long, but that the road was passable with care.
Officials worked through the night in the city putting up temporary flood defences for 400 properties.Officials worked through the night in the city putting up temporary flood defences for 400 properties.
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Elliot Robertson from the Environment Agency on heavy rain affecting parts of Cumbria and the Yorkshire Dales
The force added that flooding in the area was expected to peak in the latter part of the night.The force added that flooding in the area was expected to peak in the latter part of the night.
In Wales, dozens of roads were impassable on Wednesday night and a number of bridges closed to vehicles.In Wales, dozens of roads were impassable on Wednesday night and a number of bridges closed to vehicles.
The fire service said it had rescued people trapped in cars in Bala, Gwynedd.The fire service said it had rescued people trapped in cars in Bala, Gwynedd.
Roads have also been closed and homes are at risk in towns across Lancashire, especially in areas near to the River Calder and River Irwell, which has already burst its banks.Roads have also been closed and homes are at risk in towns across Lancashire, especially in areas near to the River Calder and River Irwell, which has already burst its banks.
Roads in Todmorden were shut because of flooding, and homeowners in Chatterton and Strongstry have been warned they could be at risk.Roads in Todmorden were shut because of flooding, and homeowners in Chatterton and Strongstry have been warned they could be at risk.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said it had seen an increase in calls.Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said it had seen an increase in calls.
A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: "We do have contingency plans in place; Lancashire County Council is working with the emergency services and relevant agencies, and we're fully prepared for this situation."A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: "We do have contingency plans in place; Lancashire County Council is working with the emergency services and relevant agencies, and we're fully prepared for this situation."
Flooding also hit sections of the West Coast Mainline in Cumbria causing disruption to train services, with passengers experiencing delays of up to an hour before the flooded sections were cleared.Flooding also hit sections of the West Coast Mainline in Cumbria causing disruption to train services, with passengers experiencing delays of up to an hour before the flooded sections were cleared.
Are you in one of the areas on flood alert? What are conditions like where you are? Send us your comments and pictures.Are you in one of the areas on flood alert? What are conditions like where you are? Send us your comments and pictures.
Send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk, text them to 61124 or you have a large file you can upload here.Send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk, text them to 61124 or you have a large file you can upload here.
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