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Snow Triggers Major Incident: Parish Shelters Stranded Travellers; Cumbria Police Urge Stay-at-Home

By Rachael Grealish

A major incident has been declared due to heavy snowfall leading to Cumbria Police advising people not to travel unless necessary.

Snowfall is continuing to cause challenges in Cumbria that Cumbria Police, along with the highways teams from Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness councils, are attempting to minimise and control as the amber snow warning continues overnight.

Images the major incident area, Ambleside. Credit: Julie Coldwell

However police are reiterating their message to the public that people should only travel where necessary today, particularly those considering travelling in the South Lakes and Millom areas.

Due to the current and forecasted low temperatures, road conditions will remain challenging.

Superintendent Andy Wilkinson. Cumbria Constabulary, said: “Agencies across Cumbria are working together in response to the impact that heavy snowfall is continuing to have on the county’s roads.

“We are working at pace, to help clear roads so those currently affected can get moving.

“I would urge anybody considering travelling in Cumbria tonight, to only do so if necessary. The cold temperatures forecast will make road conditions even more difficult.”

South Lakes Police also confirmed the Parish Centre, on Vicarage Road, in Ambleside (LA22 9DH) has been opened as an emergency refuge space.

Police advised peopled: “If you are within walking distance, the hall is open and provisions are available. There is little to no accommodation in the town – we are aware of this. If you cannot source accommodation, please come to the parish centre.

“Please DO NOT attend in your vehicle. Leave this in a safe position and head to.”

A yellow weather warning covering most of the county is also in place for snow and ice until midnight. An additional yellow weather warning is also in place from midnight until 11am tomorrow morning, Sunday December 3, covering most of the county. For the latest information on weather warnings, please visit: UK weather warnings (metoffice.gov.uk).

The following roads are currently impacted by the weather conditions.

  • A591 Kendal – queuing traffic between the A5284 Windermere Road to Wythburn.
  • A591 at Newby Bridge – queuing traffic between Newby Bridge and Windermere
  • A591 Lake Road – queueing traffic between Skelwith bridge and Ambleside.
  • A595 Kirkby-in-Furness – queuing traffic between Kirkby-in-Furness and Grizebeck.
  • A6 Wickersgill – queueing traffic between Wickersgill to Garth Row.
  • B5286 Clappersgate – queuing traffic between Clappersgate and Hawkshead
  • Harras Road in Whitehaven – queuing traffic between York Terrace and Red Lonning.
  • Woodhouse Road in Whitehaven – queuing traffic between the B5345 St Bees Road and Fell View Avenue.

For the latest information the county’s roads, please visit the traffic map: Traffic – Cumbria Constabulary.

For the latest information on power outages, please visit: Fault list (enwl.co.uk)