‘Our sympathies are with the people who have sadly experienced flooding,’ said Joe Cuthbertson, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, as Storm Claudia moves on but swollen rivers keep communities on alert in Cumbria and across England.

As of 11:55am on Saturday there were 58 Flood Warnings and 150 Flood Alerts in force, according to the Environment Agency. Twenty properties have flooded so far, including some in Cumbria after earlier rain, while more than 12,000 properties have been protected by defences and agency interventions.

Met Office rain and wind warnings have now expired and today should be more settled. Even so, officials warn it can take days for river levels to fall and for surface water to clear. Minor impacts on some larger rivers are likely to continue through to Tuesday.

Agency officers are out clearing debris from trash screens, checking embankments and pumping stations, and putting up temporary barriers where needed. Local authorities and emergency services are working alongside them to steady the situation and support residents and small firms.

People are being urged not to drive through flood water. The EA says it’s often deeper than it looks - and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float a car. If in doubt, turn back and find another route.

Floods Minister Emma Hardy said she was in regular contact with the EA and local responders. ‘My heart goes out to everyone affected,’ she said, adding that despite calmer weather there remains a risk of ongoing river flooding and asking the public to follow local advice.

Residents up here in Cumbria are being asked to search ‘check my flood risk’ on gov.uk, sign up for free flood warnings, and keep an eye on updates from @EnvAgency on X. Government and EA teams say they are monitoring forecasts and river levels closely through the weekend.

Drivers are advised to allow extra time and consider alternative routes where river levels remain high or temporary closures are in place. For high-street traders and rural businesses, keep continuity plans handy and make sure stock, electrics and pumps are safe and accessible.

With rivers slow to settle after heavy rain, officials expect residual minor flooding on some larger waterways until Tuesday. EA crews will keep inspecting assets and clearing debris, while communities are encouraged to prepare now rather than wait for water to rise again.