Flood Alert Issued for Rivers Kent and Bela in Cumbria and Lancashire

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for the Rivers Kent and Bela. The alert was officially raised at 4:02 PM on March 12, 2026, in response to rising river levels.

Affected Areas

The alert covers geographic regions within Cumbria and Lancashire, specifically affecting Lancashire, Westmorland and Furness. Locations most likely to be impacted include low-lying land and roads near the Rivers Kent, Bela, and associated watercourses. The warning area extends from Kentmere to Silverdale, including low-lying areas around Staveley, Burneside, Kendal, Milnthorpe, and Beetham.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the warning area are advised to take care and avoid walking, cycling, or driving through flood water. The Environment Agency is closely monitoring the situation as river levels rise.

Expected Conditions

Rising river levels may lead to flooding on March 12, 2026. The primary hazard identified is the flooding of low-lying land and roads adjacent to the Kent and Bela rivers and other nearby watercourses.

Timeline

The alert is effective as of March 12, 2026. The Environment Agency expects to provide an update on the situation by 8:00 AM on March 13, 2026, or sooner if conditions change significantly.