Walkers who venture out should be fully equipped with correct footwear and good waterproofs

Lake District national park chiefs are urging walkers to avoid the area’s fells and low-level routes until flood water has subsided.

The plea came as the national park authority announced it was diverting staff from a planned training day to help flood-stricken communities. Agencies across the district are being asked where they need the helpers.

A spokesperson for the Lake District National Park Authority said it was asking about 200 staff to make themselves available on Friday. Its rangers and wardens have already been patrolling and surveying to assess damage, remove debris left by the floods and repair property.

But the warning to walkers came as more heavy rain was forecast for the area, tomorrow, Tuesday, turning to snow on the felltops on Wednesday, with a chance of thunder. The LDNPA’s head of countryside services Mark Eccles said conditions underfoot can be extremely difficult with saturated path surfaces and some damage to bridges, drainage, gates and stiles.

He said: “If people have to venture out, they should have outdoor footwear and clothing, including good waterproofs. They should tell family or friends where they are going and what time they are due back. Torches, mobiles, food and water should also be carried.

“Riverside paths and river crossings are best avoided until water levels go down. Obviously mountain rescue teams are stretched to limit and we all have a responsibility to minimise risks and prevent callouts.”

“It’s all about commonsense. It is vital that people don’t go into flood water and don’t try to unblock drains.”

Further rain may lead to more flooding, with roads leading to the fells becoming impassable.

The LDNPA’s director of park services Bob Cartwright said staff and volunteers had made a tremendous contribution over the weekend, particularly helping people in Cockermouth and Keswick.

He added: “Our main priority is supporting communities at this very difficult time. We are liaising with county and district councils, but know organisations are stretched to the limit and might welcome extra hands.

“Friday was a staff training day, but with so much of the area underwater we want to help as many of the people who live and work here as we can.”

Bowness Bay information centre, Windermere lake warden offices at Ferry Nab and Greenside hostel, Glenridding, are all closed. Other national park services are operating normally.

Full weather reports from the Lake District Weatherline, Mountain Weather Information Service and the Met Office’s mountain weather service can all be accessed through grough’s links tab at the top of the page.