Heavy rain has forced the closure of the northbound M6 between junctions 41 and 42 and caused surface-water flooding on dozens of local roads across Cumbria. Cumbria Police warned motorists not to drive through floodwater and advised using alternative routes. More than 265 flooding and drainage incidents were recorded after last week's widespread flooding. A Met Office yellow warning remains in force until 11:00 GMT.
M6 Northbound Closed as Heavy Rain Causes Surface-Water Flooding Across Cumbria
Heavy rain has forced the closure of the northbound M6 between junctions 41 and 42 and caused surface-water flooding on dozens of local roads across Cumbria. Cumbria Police warned motorists not to drive through floodwater and advised using alternative routes. More than 265 flooding and drainage incidents were recorded after last week's widespread flooding. A Met Office yellow warning remains in force until 11:00 GMT.
10:36 AM, 11/13/2025Environment
M6 northbound closed after heavy rain
A stretch of the M6 between junctions 41 and 42 has been closed northbound after heavy rain caused surface-water flooding across Cumbria. Dozens of local roads have also been affected, disrupting travel across the county.
Cumbria Police said the closure affects the northbound carriageway between J41 and J42. Routes reported as impacted include the A595 by the Greenhill Hotel at Red Dial and the A6 at Plumpton. Officers urged motorists not to drive through floodwater and to use alternative routes where possible.
There was already widespread flooding in the county last week, which caused major travel disruption: police recorded more than 265 flooding and drainage incidents. The Met Office has issued a yellow rain warning covering most of Cumbria until 11:00 GMT.
Reported flooding locations
- Carleton village, near Penrith
- Etterby Road, Carlisle
- Aspatria area
- A596 at Waverton
- Victory Terrace, Maryport
- A594 (Maryport to Dearham Road)
- Isle Road, Cockermouth
- A66 Cockermouth bypass
- Castle Gardens, Workington
- Stainburn and Harrington, near Workington
- A595 at Meadow Road, Whitehaven
- A595 blockage by the Greenhill Hotel at Red Dial
“If you are travelling this morning, do so with caution and listen to travel updates,” the force advised.
Drivers should avoid driving through floodwater, allow extra journey time and follow local travel updates. For the latest information, follow Cumbria Police and local news services on social media (X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram).