Just a little more on the Cumbrian flooding.
If you saw the images on the link of the Backbarrow Bridge over the River Leven it might be difficult to put them into context of a normal river flow and height. I called by today and took these images, the river level now would be deemed a big flood.
This is a view downstream to the bridge
A closer view
The November 3rd 1898 flood level marker - the highest historical recorded level
A view from downstream, the parapet walls have gone
And finally - looking upstream from the hydroelectric plant headrace which was shut to prevent damage to the turbines. The Whitewater Hotel has suffered with floodwater.
(Image missing - sorry)
This is just one instance of damage and is relatively minor to what others have suffered in the county.