I live in Whitehaven on the coast, West Cumbria. I was surprised that the town center wasn't flooded though, must've been something to do with the size of tide. I did pick my daughter up from her grandma's at Derwent Gardens, Cockermouth just before they evacuated. It was strange driving out of the place, as within me being at the house for about 15 mins, the hill going out of Cockermouth up to the A595 had been filled with loads of lorries and cranes from Lawson's haulage yard, all the way up the hill. Obviously a good move, as they'd of been junk if left. The house was under at least 2 feet of water though the night and is in a real mess. A close friend also said his house was under 8 feet of water, he lives off Warwick Road in Carlisle. I've no doubt a lot of workmates will have been flooded too as I work close to Carlisle.
I've read numerous comments on Farcebook critising the government for poor work on improving the flood defenses as both places have flooded in the recent past (at different times). After seeing the River Derwent late on Saturday, that to be honest looked like the Amazon, I'm not sure that improved flood defenses can stop such a powerful natural phenomena as that, and I'd guess it has a lot to do with the size of the tide in the Solway The Derwent wasn't dredged though, following the last flood, whether this would of helped I don't know. Hopefully I'm wrong though, as its a horrible thing, that is happening too often.