24/11/2009 - Heavy rain and floods to hit UK
Heavy rain and flooding is to hit the UK again, piling on the misery for people in flood-hit Cumbria who only this week were allowed back into their homes to survey the damage.
The emergency services remain on flood alert throughout the day as weather experts predict up to 100mm (3.9in) of rain will fall on parts of the county's already saturated ground, increasing river levels yet again.
Last week's record-breaking deluge caused damage to hundreds of homes in Cockermouth, where residents and business owners are currently enduring a massive clear-up operation.
The Environment Agency said that although heavy rainfall is predicted, river levels are not expected to be as high as when the deluge began last Thursday.
Six bridges have already collapsed in the county as a result of the flooding, causing major transport and logistical headaches for thousands of people.
The local authority is warning Workington residents that if Calva Bridge collapses, 11,000 homes north of the river would lose their telephone connection.
Residents are being urged to make contingency arrangements and keep mobile telephones charged.
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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