Storm Desmond: Thousands without power after flooding

The storm left tens of thousands without power, disrupted water supplies and forced the closure of a number of schools.

Storm Desmond has been battering the north west of England and causing massive floods throughout the region.

Ministers heard that the situation in the aftermath of Storm Desmond was improving with flood waters receding – but that emergency services remained on “high alert”.

“This could cause flash flooding in areas already saturated by Storm Desmond and a rise in river levels”, Roys said.

In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the Queen said: “Please convey my sympathy to all those whose homes or livelihoods have been affected by the recent flooding”.

She told Good Morning Britain: “It is always hard to judge when there might be an extreme event and what we do have to be is prepared”.

About 1,000 properties remain without power in Cumbria, according to Electricity North West. Engineers restored power to Lancaster, Morecambe and surrounding areas early on Tuesday.

“With more bad weather forecast for later in the week, they are working alongside the police, fire and rescue services and the Environment Agency, to ensure the safety of residents and businesses, shore up flood defences to protect homes and premises, and are drawing up plans to repair gullies and fix damaged infrastructure such as roads and bridges”. In response to Monday’s Government pledge to make restoration of power and transport networks a priority Mr Raymond added: “We strongly urge support for those of our members with fallen stock disposal, who require urgent fix to flood damaged property?and help with feed delivery and milk collection”.

The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for rainfall across northern England and parts of Scotland, which will be in place from 6am on Wednesday to 3am on Thursday.

More than 43,000 homes are suffering power cuts while over 5000 people’s homes have flooded. On Monday a burglary took place at a business in Walkmill Crescent, Carlisle, where alcohol and cash worth £4,000 was stolen.

The best estimates say at least 5,200 homes in Cumbria and Lancashire have been affected and rescue centres set up.

On Saturday, an elderly man died in London after a gust of wind blew him in front of a bus.

Eamonn Flanagan, insurance analyst at Shore Capital, said: “If Flood Re wasn’t around, there would be a material impact on premiums” in affected areas.

Superintendent Mark Pannone said: “People in Cumbria have really come together following the severe flooding that has occurred over the last few days, and have shown commendable community spirit across the county. We want to get a strong message out: if you’re coming on holiday, contact the organisation and check they are open [rather than cancel]”.