Floodwater leaves cars marooned in York as River Ouse continues to rise

Jennie Henry reports from York where cars became stranded in floodwater as the River Ouse continues to rises

Vehicles have been abandoned in York after becoming marooned in floodwater.

Water levels on the River Ouse are continuing to rise and are expected to peak on Thursday evening (2 January) as a number of flood warnings remain in place in the city and across the region.

The Foss Barrier is in operation and people are urged to take action to protect their homes and businesses.

Elsewhere in York, sandbags are at the ready but not yet in use.

Less serious flood alerts have also been issued in other parts of North Yorkshire and the North East coast, from St Mary's Lighthouse to Crimdon Park, North Hartlepool.

It follows a number of vehicles becoming stuck in water in North Yorkshire since Tuesday.

A man was able to get himself to safety after his car became stranded in a flooded River Ure in Wensleydale on New Year's Day.

Crews from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service also made four rescues of people stuck in their vehicles across Hawes, Skipton and Masham from late afternoon on Tuesday into the early hours of yesterday.

Meanwhile, a major incident was declared in Greater Manchester after flooding forced homes to be evacuated and closed train lines and roads following heavy rain.

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