A Flood Alert was issued for Rivers Ehen, Calder, Irt and Esk in Cumberland on 24th March 2026. Affected watercourses included the River Ehen, Rive Calder, River Irt, River Esk.
During this event, FloodRadar monitoring gauges recorded notable rises. The River Esk at Cropple How rose 1.59m, peaking at 2.04m, while the River Keekle at St Leonards climbed 1.05m.
Environment Agency advice issued
Rising river levels today may lead to flooding. Flooding is possible on 24 March 2026 . The rain will continue today and into this evening when it will clear Cumbria from midnight. Locations most affected will be low lying land and roads near rivers Ehen, Calder, Irt, Esk and other watercourses from Harrington to Annaside including low lying areas around Whitehaven, Cleator Moor, Egremont, Gosforth, Eskdale and Bootle. We are closely monitoring the situation . Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water . This message will be updated by 10:00AM on 25 March 2026 or
Monitoring gauges during this event
| Station | River | Rise | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cropple How | River Esk | +1.59m | 2.04m |
| St Leonards | River Keekle | +1.05m | 1.53m |
| Egremont | River Ehen | +1.01m | 1.53m |
| Braystones | River Ehen | +0.95m | 1.41m |
| Calder Hall | River Calder | +0.82m | 1.06m |
| Bleach Green Weir | River Ehen | +0.67m | 1.04m |
| Galesyke | River Irt | +0.54m | 0.96m |
| Scalehill Upper Lorton Valley | River Cocker | +0.49m | 1.05m |
| Church View | Skirting Beck | +0.28m | 0.60m |