Storm Desmond: Severe Flooding In Cumbria

Flooded roads in Appleby in Cumbria, as Storm Desmond hit the UK. (Press Association)

Police have declared a major incident in Cumbria after heavy rain and strong wind up to 80mph brought by Storm Desmond caused severe flooding in Cumbria.

Cumbria is amongst the worst affected area in England by the storm where the River Greta near Keswick and the River Eden at Appleby overflowed, despite glass flood defences installed.

The village of Shap in Cumbria received the highest rainfall which is 7in (178.2mm) in 24 hours until 7pm on Saturday.

The average rainfall for Cumbria for December is 5.75in (146.1mm).

Some rivers in the area reached their highest ever recorded levels; and some road and highways were flooded.

The village of Braithwaite was cut off, after the main bridge connecting it to the rest of the county was swept away by the swollen river.

In Scotland, people were evacuated in Hawick after the River Teviot burst its banks and the Nith was flooded in Dumfries.

More than 80 flood warnings are in place around the UK, particularly Scotland, northern England, Wales and the Midlands.

Please click the photos for larger images:

Flooded roads in Appleby in Cumbria, as Storm Desmond hit the UK. (Press Association)

Flood water rises in Keswick. (Independent)

Flooding in Kewswick, Cumbria. (Mark Richardson/Independent)

Keswick Residents Evacuate As Storm Desmond Hits. (Photo Sky News)

Keswick Residents Evacuate As Storm Desmond Hits. (Photo Sky News)

Cumbria Towns Evacuated As Storm Desmond Hits. (Photo Sky News)