York Flooding: What you need to know

Thousands of sandbags have been handed out in York as water levels on the River Ouse are expected to rise, leading to further flooding. The city suffered heavy flooding over the weekend in the aftermath of Storm Dennis.

The Environment Agency has confirmed that levels on the river are set to peak on Monday (17 February), with current forecasts showing a potential river level of up to 4.6 metres.

The forecast levels may continue to change as the the impact of overnight rain makes its way into water channels.

There are currently 10 flood warnings in place for York, with several alerts. You can stay up to date with the latest information on the Environment Agency's website.

Drivers, pedestrians and cyclists are being asked not to enter or travel through flood water.

Flood warnings are in place along the River Ouse in York. Credit: Environment Agency
The Environment Agency is regularly updating their flood warnings. Credit: Environment Agency

The City of York Council has said it is working around the clock with partner agencies to ensure homes and businesses are protected from flooding.

Cllr Keith Aspden, leader of City of York Council, said:

Water levels on the River Ouse in York are expected to reach 4.6m. Credit: PA

So far City of York Council has:

  • deployed a total of 4,000 sandbags and 200 one tonne sandbags across the city to help protect the most vulnerable properties

  • worked with communities at Naburn to build defences and provided 480 sandbags and 21 one tonne sandbags

  • spoken to residents and built a new defence at Butcher Terrace, Cameron Grove and Terry Street in Clementhorpe

  • Clementhorpe defences have been raised (staffed 24/7 with additional sandbags provided if needed)

  • worked with the communities around Alma Terrace and Holly Street in Fishergate

  • put all flood defences in place and, since Storm Ciara the council has created new flood defences at Bishopthorpe and strengthened the Peckitt Street and Tower Gardens defences (Tower Gardens is being staffed 24/7 with additional sandbags provided if needed)

  • additional pumps and defences have been placed at the A19 and Germany Beck junction

  • Rest centres have been identified, and the Major Incident Response Team and community volunteers have been placed on standby, should they be needed.

For the latest information and advice visit: www.york.gov.uk/flood

Flood water is pumped back into the River Ouse in York in the aftermath of Storm Dennis. Credit: PA

Roads Affected:

  • Clementhorpe has a flood defence closing the road just after the junction with River Street

  • Peckitt Street is now a dead end due to the defences.

  • The B1222 in Naburn is now closed with signage in place, due to floodwater. The no42 Arriva bus service will now be diverted.

  • Skeldergate is closed this afternoon [Sunday 16 February] for several hours while the EA deploys additional sandbags to the area. This will reopen as soon as possible

  • Main Street in Nether Poppleton will close this afternoon [Sunday 16 February] due to river flooding. The no10 First bus service will be diverted.

  • Millenium Bridge will be closed as water levels rise, and will be monitored closely

The City of York Council is working around the clock with partner agencies to ensure homes and businesses are protected. Credit: PA

Sandbags:

The council provides sandbags to communities at immediate risk of flooding.

The authority has said that it has to prioritise the use of sandbag stocks to the following:

  • repairing existing flood defences

  • preventing flooding to large areas of residential and commercial property

  • protecting utilities, hospitals, schools, residential homes and emergency services buildings

  • critical transport routes and essential roads

  • individual residential or commercial properties

The River Ouse in York following Storm Dennis. Credit: PA