Cumbria braced for flooding

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Property in Cumbria is at high risk of damage, as weather forecasters have warned that flooding could be particularly bad in the region during the coming days.

According to the Environment Agency and Met Office, heavy rain in northern England, Wales and south-west Scotland is set to continue, with flooding expected to be particularly bad in Cumbria.

Winds gusting up to 60mph in north-west England and Wales have also been predicted.

Residents have been advised to check on the elderly, move valuable items to safety and be prepared to switch off gas and electricity supplies.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: "Due to recent heavy rain and the current weather forecast, we are expecting flooding to property in the north-west of England, particularly Cumbria.

The spokesman also warned of a tidal surge in the northern Irish Sea which could cause an increased flood risk along the west coast from Aberystwyth northwards.

Matt Dobson, forecaster at MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said: "People can expect a real deluge in Cumbria and south-west Scotland. We could see between 70mm and 100mm falling today and into tomorrow. It will be particularly heavy over the Fells where up to 150mm could fall."

Copyright © Press Association 2009

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