Heavy snowfall caused chaos and disruption in Cumbria, leaving drivers stranded and homes without power. Police declared a major incident on Saturday evening due to the severe weather, with rescue services working to extract 200 vehicles marooned in South Lakes. Reception centres were set up to provide temporary accommodation for those affected. Emergency services urged people to avoid travelling in the area and to remain indoors unless it was absolutely necessary.
Despite the multi-agency approach of Cumbria Police, fire and rescue crews, ambulance and mountain rescue teams, drivers were left without water and food supplies for several hours. Frustration mounted as it emerged that the snow had been more significant than forecast, causing highways to become completely blocked. Cumbria Police urged drivers not to abandon their vehicles but to move them onto the side of the road to allow emergency services to reach those who were trapped.
Electricity North West, the power distributor for the area, reported that several homes were without power across Cumbria. National Highways national network manager Dale Hipkiss advised people to take extra precautions if travelling and to keep essential items in their vehicles like torches and warm clothes. Train operator Northern reported severe disruption to railways lines between Lancaster and Carlisle, while Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire said it would not be able to run buses until roads were passable.
Despite the chaos, communities came together across Cumbria to open up emergency reception centres. People stranded in the village of Hawkshead were offered food, drink and shelter, with many spending the night in the local primary school and scout hut. Local residents opened their doors to those who were stranded, including a brass band who found themselves unable to perform Christmas carols as a result of the adverse weather
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