Storm Desmond rages across country

The storm has brought strong winds and heavy rain, causing Cumbria – one of the worst-affected areas – to declare a “major incident”.

The Met Office has an amber “be prepared” warning for rain in place for Saturday and the early part of Sunday across the Strathclyde, Central, Tayside and Fife, Lothian and Borders and south west of Scotland areas. “Teams are working to ensure swift response and help for those who need it”.

Some 55,000 properties in Lancaster, Morecambe, Carnforth and the surrounding area are without power following a breach of flood defences at a the main substation serving the area.

Selby Road in Leeds was closed outbound between Century Way and the M1 junction 46 after panels blew off a roof.

Severe weather warnings have been issued, with a red “take action” warning for rain in Cumbria from Saturday into Sunday.

Chair of the strategic coordinating group, Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Andy Towler said: “Due to the current weather conditions being experienced across Cumbria, the emergency services are experiencing a high number of flooding-related calls”.

The driver of a new Mercedes E class attempts in vain to negotiate a flooded rural road as Storm Desmond hits the province of Renfrewshire.

Roads are entirely flooded and impassable, whilst businesses and homes are partially submerged in the flood water.

Police have issued a plea for people to only travel if necessary and to take notice of road clisure signs.

Parts of the North East have hit by serious flooding today as heavy rain and strong winds from Storm Desmond continue to batter the country..

The Environment Agency has issued 130 flood warnings and hundreds of people have been forced to leave their homes.

Flooding and surface water was also causing misery across Lancashire, the west Pennines and the Cheviot Hills.

There were reports of a bus blown off the road between Falkland and Dunshalt in Fife, while Trossachs Search and Rescue team said it coordinated the rescue of a bus and its 38 passengers which became stuck in flooding on the A81.

Marc Becker, Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s Hydrology Duty Manager, said: “Heavy rain will continue to affect much of Scotland throughout the rest of the day (Saturday). Impacts will include widespread property flooding, evacuations, damage to infrastructure and severe transport disruption”.