The focus of a multi-agency response to a major incident following the impact of heavy snowfall in Cumbria has moved to supporting communities who remain without power.
The multi-agency response is working closely with Electricity North West to support their efforts to restore power as quickly and as safely as possible to a remaining 1,500 properties.
A key aspect of this work is the identification and assessment of vulnerability of those who are without power.
Work conducted by Electricity North West engineers has restored power to more than 7,500 properties.
More information on the work Electricity North West are doing is available here: Repairs continue following significant damage to power network (enwl.co.uk).
If you see lines down, stay well clear and report to Electricity North West immediately on 105.
If you need welfare support, you can contact Electricity North West on 105 or 0800 195 41 41. In a life-threatening situation contact 999.
For the latest information on power outages, please visit: Fault list (enwl.co.uk)
A yellow weather warning for ice is currently in place until midday tomorrow.
The cold temperatures and yesterday’s significant snowfall continues to impact the county’s road network.
Agencies are asking people to only travel tonight if necessary. The conditions will remain difficult throughout tomorrow morning, therefore motorists are advised to drive with extreme care.
Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council highways teams continue to clear and treat priority routes throughout this evening and overnight. This work has resulted in the county’s priority routes all deemed to be passable with care. However, abandoned vehicles are still restricting some routes to one lane and caution is advised and delays may be possible.
Superintendent Andy Wilkinson, Cumbria Constabulary, said:
“The multi-agency response into this major incident remains ongoing as collectively we do everything we can to support those who are face a further evening without power.
“I would encourage anyone who is without power and requires welfare support to contact Electricity North West on 105 or 0800 195 41 41.
“Road conditions remain challenging in many areas of the county. Our message is clear and remains the same – if you do not need to travel tonight, please do not do so.
“The icy conditions will be here in the morning, so please if you are travelling do so with extreme care and attention. Drive to the conditions of the road and allow extra time for any journey you make.”
Further updates from agencies
Schools
Please check for any updates before you travel.
Updates will be provided on schools’ social media accounts and from the following websites: https://www.cumberland.gov.uk/schools-and-education/school-closures and www.westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/schools-and-education/school-closures
Refuse and recycling
Please continue to put out your refuse and recycling for collection tomorrow (Monday 4 December).
Cumberland Council & Westmorland and Furness will make every effort to collect it but there may be delays due to the forecasted weather warning.
If they do not get to you, then please continue to leave out your bin/recycling container (in a safe place that does not hinder the clear up) and they will aim to get to you as soon as we can.
Other council services such as day centres and libraries
It is advisable to check in advance whether the individual service is affected.
Useful links
For the latest information on weather warnings, please visit: UK weather warnings (metoffice.gov.uk).
For the latest information on power outages, please visit: Fault list (enwl.co.uk)
For the latest information on water outages, please visit: Up my street | United Utilities
For information on priority gritting routes in Cumberland visit: Priority gritting routes | Cumberland Council
For information on priority gritting routes in Westmorland and Furness visit: Priority gritting routes | Westmorland and Furness Council