Flood risk upgrade for riverside in York as levels rise

The Environment Agency (EA) upgraded its category of risk to the River Ouse in York from yesterday’s alert (December 1) to a warning – meaning act now – and said levels are expected to peak late into the night.

Paths in Tower Gardens were affected by the river levels this morning (December 2) (Image: Kevin Glenton)

Outside York, there is a flood warning for the River Derwent to Stamford Bridge property and a caravan park, and also Kexby Bridge which runs under the A1079 York to Hull road.

Three flood alerts – meaning flooding is possible – are in place for the Lower River Derwent, Upper River Derwent and the Upper River Ouse.

The Met Office said there is a slight chance of showers in York today and tomorrow with more rain expected on Thursday morning.

South Esplanade and areas on the Skeldergate bank of the River Ouse were affected by river levels this morning (December 2) (Image: Kevin Glenton)

City of York Council closed St George’s Field car park last night and confirmed it would be shut all day today.

And Rowntree Park in Terry Avenue is also shut for the day, although the charity which helps maintain and support the park said access to some facilities remains open.

The EA said properties in King’s Staith and riverside areas through York from Lendal Bridge to Millennium Bridge are the most affected locations.

As The Press walked through the area around 7.45 am, riverside floodgates were closed, pumps were in operation in Tower Gardens and Peckitt Street, with sandbags ready to be deployed.

The riverside path where South Esplanade meets Tower Gardens was under water this morning as the level of the Ouse rises (December 2). (Image: Kevin Glenton)

The river was flowing briskly through under the Ouse and Skeldergate bridges, and South Esplanade and Queen’s Staith were under water.

Water was also seeping onto King’s Staith.

The River Ouse level recorded at 8.30am in North Street Gardens was one metre above its normal range and was predicted to rise by another half metre before falling at around 10pm.

Queen’s Staith was under water this morning and King’s Staith was threatened with the same outcome (December 2) (Image: Kevin Glenton)

At the same time, further downstream the Foss Barrier is in operation and river levels were rising close to the top of its normal range.

The EA said it will update the status of the risk to York riverside properties at 4pm today or as the situation changes.