Flooding possible in York city centre and Elvington

The Environment Agency (EA) updated its alert notice this morning (February 6) for the Upper and Lower River Derwent, asking residents in Elvington, Pocklington, Samford Bridge, Wilberfoss and Wressle to be prepared.

In York city centre overnight, the EA also published an alert for possible floods from the River Ouse today to riverside paths and low-lying land including King’s Staith, Queen’s Staith, and South Esplanade, and as far south as Naburn Lock.

Close to Elvington yesterday, River Derwent levels were high and flood plains were full after days of rain (Image: Kevin Glenton)

Met Office forecasts for York over the next few days are for light rain and cloudy overcast skies.

Yesterday afternoon, flood plains close to the River Derwent bridge in Elvington were full and this morning, on the A1079 in Kexby Bridge over the river, road surfaces were half-covered by standing water.

At the Elvington Sluices the River Derwent level measured at 8.15am, stood at 6.39 metres and steady, above its normal range of 6.1 metres.

Close to Elvington yesterday, River Derwent levels were high and flood plains were full after days of rain (Image: Kevin Glenton)

The highest recorded level here was 7.12 metres in November 2000.

The EA says low-lying land flooding is possible above 6.25 metres.

A flood alert – meaning flooding is possible – is usually issued between two and 12 hours before flooding, the EA said.

Residents are urged to regularly check warnings for their area and follow official advice .

At the Foss Barrier close to the confluence of the two principal rivers in York, the level at 8.15am was 7.28 metres and rising, below the top of the normal range of 7.9 metres.

The highest level recorded here was 10.2 metres on November 4, 2000.

The agency’s advice in a flood alert – which means flooding is possible – is to avoid walking, cycling or driving through any flood water and highlights other at-risk areas such as fields, recreational land and car parks, minor roads, farmland and coastal areas affected by spray of waves overtopping.

All areas are being assessed by the Environment Agency, it said.