Flooding hits parts of North Yorkshire

People are being told to prepare for "immediate action" as parts of our region get ready to face the impact of Storm Christoph.

Residents of riverside homes in York have been told to be vigilant as thawing snow and heavy rainfall creates a risk of imminent flooding. 

There are flood warnings in place across parts of North Yorkshire. The Met Office has issued a red weather warning for parts of York.

York has been preparing for the flooding by making barriers. A temporary elevated walkway has been erected on Skeldergate and sandbags, each weighing one tonne, have been put down on low lying streets near the River Ouse and Clifford's Tower.

Heavy sandbags have been placed near the River Ouse. Credit: ITV Tyne Tees.
Water pumps clearing water from The Lowther pub cellar in York. Credit: ITV Tyne Tees
Defences have been installed to protect homes from floodwater. Credit: ITV Tyne Tees
Engineering work on the River Foss Barrier has been suspended due to the flood water. Credit: ITV Tyne Tees

Engineering work to replace the main gate on the River Foss Barrier has been suspended because of the flood water. Reinforcement steel logs have been put in place which the Environment Agency says will stop its effectiveness from being compromised in anyway.

York Central MP Rachael Maskell has joined with other MPs in Yorkshire calling for a Cobra meeting in advance of the situation getting any worse and is unhappy with the measures that have been taken so far to protect the area.

It comes as areas are already underwater due to the amount of rainfall.

York city centre has been hit by the flooding. Credit: ITV Tyne Tees

Catherine Wright from the Environment Agency has this advice to give to people in our region who might be affected by flooding.

AMBER WEATHER WARNING

According to the Met Office, there is an increased likelihood of impacts from severe weather, which could potentially disrupt your plans. This means there is the possibility of travel delays, road and rail closures, power cuts and the potential risk to life and property.

You should think about changing your plans and taking action to protect yourself and your property. You may want to consider the impact of the weather on your family and your community and whether there is anything you need to do ahead of the severe weather to minimise the impact.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The Met Office is warning residents in amber warning areas to expect the possibility of the following:

  • Homes and businesses are likely to be flooded, causing damage to some buildings

  • Fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life

  • Delays and some cancellations to train and bus services are likely

  • Spray and flooding probably leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures

  • A good chance some communities cut off by flooded roads

  • Power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses likely