Storm Isha: Round-up of the weather from January 22

The storm, which has been described by meteorologists as the worst since Storm Arwen in 2021, delivered winds as strong as 85mph in Cumbria.

Thousands of people in the north west were left without power, with more than 10 schools across Cumbria forced to close, either due to no electricity, or for health and safety reasons. 

A car stranded in flood water in Warwick bridge in Cumbria (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

Travel was also a huge problem, as trains were heavily impacted, and those driving on the M6 were massively delayed after two lorries overturned in the night. 

And with Storm Jocelyn set to hit Cumbria next, after the Met Office issued a yellow warning for rain on Tuesday and Wednesday this week, there seems to be little respite for those in the north of the UK.

A trampoline deposited on a wall in Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, after gusts from Storm Isha removed it from a nearby in a garden. (Image: Lisa E/PA Wire)

Storm Isha was perhaps at its worst on Sunday evening, with trains anywhere north of Preston in disarray, while traffic on the M6 was heavily affected after two lorries were overturned, damaging the barriers.

Agencies across Cumbria declared themselves on standby for a major incident after an amber weather warning came into effect for the whole country.

Cars driving through flood water in Warwick bridge in Cumbria. (Image: PA)

High winds caused the closure of Botchergate in Carlisle, as Carlisle East Fire Station were called to address unsafe structures in the border city after debris was seen falling from buildings. However, as the winds eased slightly on Monday morning, the street was able to reopen. 

One solace for those in the north was that temperatures had increased significantly compared to last week's snow, but the cold certainly caused far fewer issues than Storm Isha would.

Firefighters in Warwick bridge in Cumbria following flooding in the area. (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

Monday morning saw flood warnings and alerts swiftly issued by Cumbria Floods, with places such as Appleby, Keswick Campsite and Warwick Bridge forced to deal with heavy flooding. 

The A69 in Cumbria was closed in both directions between the M6 J43 in Carlisle and the A689 in Brampton due to flooding following heavy rainfall in the area, but was able to re-open early on Monday. 

A flooded road near Brampton in Cumbria (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

Fallen trees and flooding caused a huge amount of disruption on roads in Cumbria, but the M6 northbound and southbound perhaps impacted people the most. 

The M6 in Cumbria remained closed northbound between J43 and J44 for much of the day to allow for two overturned lorries to be recovered, while traffic was also stopped southbound temporarily while one of the overturned lorries was righted.

An uprooted tree on St Aidan's Road, Carlisle (Image: Cumberland Council)

Emergency service teams worked tirelessly throughout Monday to clear the roads, with local councils and police advising not to travel where possible. 

There were a number of cases of vehicles becoming stranded in water, and with a yellow warning for rain in much of Cumbria on Tuesday and Wednesday, it seems as if the disruption is set to continue. 

These power outages caused another problem for children and families in Cumbria, as many were left with no school to go to on Monday.

Thursby Primary School, Ivegill CofE School and Shankhill CofE Primary School were all closed in Carlisle due to Storm Isha, with a number of other educational establishments in Appleby-in-Westmorland, Penrith, Grange-over-Sands and Workington also forced to shut.

Appleby GP surgery was affected as it was without power for much of Monday, while Silloth pharmacy was also unable to dispense medication due to the adverse weather conditions. 

A house in Cockermouth had its roof blown off by Storm Isha. (Image: NQ Staff)

Chief Superintendent Carl Patrick, of Cumbria Constabulary, is chairing the Local Resilience Forum response.

He said: "This storm has had a significant impact on Cumbria, with numerous reports of highway disruption, people without power and issues with flooding. While the amber alert has passed and we appear to be through the worst, our multi-agency status of being on standby for a major incident remains.

"The public can be reassured that our multi-agency response has been running for several days in preparation for this and all agencies continue to work together to protect our communities.

"But people should be aware a further yellow warning of wind is in place for tomorrow afternoon, running on into Wednesday afternoon.

"While this is not as serious as the warning issued yesterday we remain concerned about this coming so soon after the previous alert, with recovery work still underway and issues such as trees already weakened.

"Our advice remains the same over the next few days – we would ask people to prepare and follow the guidance being given in the media and on social media to minimise the ongoing impact.

"Please make yourselves aware of the key contacts and ensure any vulnerable people within our communities are also aware and prepared.

"We would ask people to check on any vulnerable friends, family and neighbours following last night’s events and over the coming days to make sure they are safe and well, or if they need any assistance."