SUSTAINED rain and ferocious winds caused severe weather conditions across Cumbria overnight on Friday, some of the worst the region has seen for decades.
More than 200mm of rain fell in just 36 hours causing road closures, power cuts and flooding to parts of Kendal and Appleby-in-Westmorland.
Emergency services crews were forced to evacuate homes in Chapel Street and The Sands in Appleby in the early hours of Saturday, January 8, with at least two people having to be rescued using a lifeline and life jackets.
But still the waters rose, almost reaching the top of the town's flood barrier at their peak.
The heavy rain also affected residents of Silverdale Drive and Lowther Park in Kendal.
Pumps from both South Lakeland District Council and the Environment Agency were used throughout the night to successfully keep the water level below that of homes in Silverdale Drive.
The River Kent also burst its banks at around midnight, shortly before the heavy downpour ended.
Fallen trees blocked roads across South Lakeland, North Yorkshire and North Lancashire making driving conditions hazardous. Police advised motorists to keep off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
Gusts of 70mph caused at least 10 HGVs to overturn on the M6 motorway forcing police to shut both carraigeways between junctions 43 and 44.
The A66 at Eden Bridge, A69 and A6 at Carnforth were closed with heavy flooding reported on the A591 at Brettagh Holt.
Michelle Cawley of the Environment Agency, warned people in the area to stay alert throughout the weekend while the Level 2 flood warning remained in place.
"The situation is worrying," she said.
"It is very rare to have that much rain in a short space of time which has led to the extremely high water levels and serious flooding across the region.
"Around 650 properties county-wide have been affected which includes homes and business premises.
"We would advise anyone who is concerned to call the Floodline for more information as this is updated regularly."
The Environment Agency Floodline is on 0845 988 1188.
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