The Environment Agency is advising communities in North Yorkshire to remain vigilant and be prepared against the possibility of flooding, as rivers peak at near record levels.
Responding to the heavy rainfall, the River Ouse at York, has risen steadily to over five metres this morning. This is the third highest level recorded. The Environment Agency has been working together with emergency services to warn and protect local communities from flooding.
The River Ouse in York is expected to peak from 10:00 today (27 September), but will remain high for the next 24 hours.
Overnight, 60 troops have helped to put 4,000 sandbags in place, on top of the defences at Cawood. This provided additional protection to nearly 300 homes. The river is currently measuring 7.89 metres and looks to be levelling off.
We are continuing monitor river levels at Selby, and current forecasts show that the effects from the high tide at 07:00 should not cause any additional flooding.
In York city centre, up to 80 properties have been reported as being flooded by yesterday evening – with 30 of these being flooded by local drains and surface water.
As part of a multi-agency approach, the Environment Agency, City of York council and emergency services have been using sandbags in Cawood to create an extra layer of protection to the defences. Sixty Gurkhas were deployed yesterday to help take part in the distribution.
People in North Yorkshire urged to check flood warnings
Residents are being urged to check the Environment Agency’s website for up-to-date flood risk information, and to stay away from swollen rivers and floodwater.
Homes, roads and rail networks continue to be affected by flooding in northern parts of England and Wales today.
The Environment Agency are operating around the clock, clearing watercourses of debris, monitoring river levels and deploying pumping equipment to clear towns of flood water. Since Sunday the Environment Agency has sent over 75,000 warnings to properties at risk of flooding.
The public are being advised to continue to check their local flood risk information on the Environment Agency’s website. People can sign up for free flood warnings on the website or by calling the Environment Agency Flood Line on 0845 988 1188.
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