In order to make best use of those assets not impacted by the flooding and to protect customers, the company region’s network operator is removing supplies to 5,000 customers at a time for up to three hours.

Partner agencies have been pumping water from the area all day and will continue throughout the evening.

55,000 customers are still without power in Lancaster after flood defences that were upgraded in 2010 to withstand a '1-in-100-years' flood were breached just before 23:00 last night (Saturday).

Electricity North West Systems Manager, Chris Fox, said: “It is essential that we remove power to customers for a short period of time to prevent 60,000 customers being without power for a long period.

“We tried everything we could to protect Carlisle but unfortunately this is an unprecedented flooding event.

“We are working with the fire service, police and council to prioritise our resources to the most vulnerable. This is an incredibly challenging time for many people and I can assure them that we are working around the clock with the emergency services to coordinate the best response we can.”

If you see power lines down please stay away and report it to Electricity North West immediately on 0800 195 4141.

Vulnerable customers, including some older or disabled people, or those with a medical dependency on electricity, can also sign up to the Priority Services Register or contact Electricity North West on 0800 195 4141.

To report a power cut please call 0800 195 4141 or follow @ElectricityNW or visit www.electricitynorthwest.co.uk. To get the latest flood advice and information in your area please visit the Environment Agency.

For more information about flood alerts click here and to keep up-to-date with the weather in your area visit the Met Office.

What to do if you have a power cut:

• Use a battery operated or wind-up torch
• Have warm clothes and blankets available
• Check on your elderly or sick neighbours and relatives
• Make sure electrical appliances, such as cookers, electric fires etc are turned off
• Join our Priority Service Register if you need extra support electricitynorthwest.co.uk/priority
• Keep your freezer and fridge door closed to prevent defrosting
• If you need any advice ring us 24/7 on 0800 195 4141 or follow @ElectricityNW

During a flood:

• If water is about to enter your property, turn off your electricity supply, but only if safe to do so
• Do not touch any electrical equipment or cables whilst you are standing in flood water
• Do not touch any electrical equipment or cables that have been immersed in flood water