LIVE UPDATES: Businesses closed and roads flooded as heavy rain hits Lancaster and Morecambe area

Marine Road in Morecambe pictured during heavy rainfall on Thursday morning.

Businesses have been forced to close and traffic is severely affected by flooding in the Lancaster and Morecambe area.

Several pubs reported that they have had to close for the day, or delay opening, due to floods.

We have also had reports of significant flooding on Morecambe Road from Carlisle Bridge to near Our Lady's Catholic College, and severe traffic congestion on the Lancaster city centre one-way system, after heavy rainfall overnight and into Thursday morning.

On Thursday morning, we received multiple reports of flooding, including at Scotforth Court, the Marsh, Hala, Scotforth Road, Brook Street, Dallas Road, Carr House Lane and Willow Lane in Lancaster; and Marine Road and Westgate in Morecambe, as well as under Torrisholme Bridge on Ryelands Road.

It has also been reported that Sainsbury's on Cable Street in Lancaster was temporarily closed on Thursday morning due to flooding.

This picture shows Church Street in Lancaster near the St Nicholas Arcades car park on Thursday morning. Photo: Chris Palmer

The Brittlestar Bar on Marine Road posted on Thursday: "Unfortunately we have no choice but to close today.

"The drains on the promenade can’t cope with the amount of rain and it’s flooded through to our lovely venue. We will keep you updated."

The Station Promenade in Morecambe posted: "Due to excessive flooding we unfortunately have had to delay our usual opening time of 11am.

"Our wonderful team are armed with mops, wet vacs and wellies in order to get opened up as soon as we can.

"Please keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates."

The White Cross pub on South Road in Lancaster posted: "Due to the extreme rainfall today, the White Cross has unfortunately taken on a large amount of water in our bar area, so we are currently working towards a solution.

"As a result, we’re unable to open the venue until at least 4pm today while we assess the situation and ensure everything is safe.

"We’ll keep you updated with any further changes. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

A later update from the pub said: "Due to the extreme rainfall today causing flooding in our venue, the White Cross has to remain CLOSED for today.

"We are hoping to reopen tomorrow at 12pm so keep an eye out on our social media as we will keep you updated with any further changes."

The Water Witch by Lancaster Canal posted: "A bit of a soggy start at The Water Witch today! 

Photo: The Water Witch

"Like much of Lancaster, we’ve been hit by the flooding this morning and have had a fair bit of water make its way through the pub.

"The good news is we’ve got all hands on deck getting everything cleaned up, safe and back in order, and we will be opening today, just a little later than usual.

"Thanks for bearing with us while we get ourselves dried out and shipshape. We’ll keep you updated and get the doors open as soon as we can. 

"Stay safe out there, Lancaster."

And the Bier and Twist in Market Square, Lancaster, posted: "Unfortunately, we’ve had to close due to multiple leaks in the building, which has caused flooding and means we’re unable to open safely at the moment.

"If you have a booking with us, we’ll be in touch shortly with an update.

"We’re very sorry for the inconvenience and really appreciate your patience and understanding. We’ll keep you updated and hope to be back open as soon as possible."

Joseph & Co men's clothing store on North Road in Lancaster city centre posted: "Due to the heavy rain showers, our lower sales floor has been flooded.

"We will have our main sales floor open from lunchtime today but our lower sales area will be until Saturday.

"We will issue updates on our progress. Thank you to LCD Support Services who have once again come to our rescue in helping us with a pump.

"Thank you for your understanding."

Stagecoach bus company reported diversions to the 100 service in the Bowerham and Hala area on Thursday morning, as well as to the number 11 service due to flooding on Willow Lane.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said they were attending a number of incidents of flooding across the area on Thursday.

They have issued the following safety advice.

"Please don't drive through flood water even if you think it isn't that deep.

"If you are concerned about your property make sure you turn off electrics and where possible move items to a higher level or second floor.

"Do not walk through a flooded area, the flood water can be more powerful than you think.

"Keep an eye out for travel and safety advice. 

"You can check for flooding in your area here."

Bowerham Road in Lancaster on Thursday morning. Photo by Beyond Radio's Phil McGrath.

Scotforth Road on Thursday morning. Photo: Lee Metcalfe

We have contacted Lancashire County Council, who look after the district's highways, for an update.

The weather forecast for Thursday afternoon is for further rain and sunny spells, with drier weather expected on Thursday evening.

Have you got a local news story? Email us now, newsdesk@beyondradio.co.uk

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