HEAVY and persistent rain this weekend looks set to cause significant flooding in North Yorkshire.

The Met Office has issued an amber early warning of rain from Saturday afternoon until Sunday evening as a frontal system becomes slow-moving across the Pennines.

It says people should be prepared for flooding to occur, either surface water flooding or flooding from rivers which have remained high after recent heavy rainfall.

The Environment Agency is also warning of a risk of significant river and localised surface water flooding, saying it is monitoring the situation closely and will issue flood alerts and warnings if required.

"We have teams out on the ground, clearing blockages in rivers and culverts," said a spokesman.

"The public are urged not to drive through flood water. We encourage drivers to check the flood risk for their entire route before they travel.

"People should check their flood risk and keep up to date with the latest situation at https://www.gov.uk/check-if-youre-at-risk-of-flooding or follow @EnvAgency and #floodaware on Twitter for the latest flood updates."

A flood warning is still in force for the River Ouse at Naburn Lock

Mike Laycock reports from a flooded Kings Staith on the weekend weather in York and up in the Dales.

Northern Powergrid spokesmen have said they are closely monitoring the weather and haveextra engineers ready to restore power and repair any damage if the network is hit by the storm. There are also extra advisors on duty at its local 24-hour contact centre and the website has an easy-to-use power cut reporting service.

People are being advised to bookmark it on their mobile phone so they are ready to use the service if they need it. 

Northern Powergrid’s Twitter @northpowergrid and Facebook pages will give regular updates.

Anyone who spots any damaged cables or other equipment not to approach the area, but to contact the company immediately on 0800 375 675 in Yorkshire.

Power cut advice and tips include:

  • turn off electrical appliances at the socket - especially heating or cooking appliances which could come back on cause a safety hazard
  • keep one light switched on so you know when power is restored
  • keep a battery or wind-up torch handy – they’re much safer than candles
  • have a charged mobile phone with important numbers, including Northern Powergrid’s contact details, easily accessible.
  • check on your elderly or sick neighbours and relatives
  • you have warm clothing and blankets handy and some food and drink in your home that does not need electricity to heat or prepare it
  • only call 999 in the event of an emergency.