THE Environment Agency is warning North Yorkshire residents to be prepared for possible flooding tomorrow and Wednesday.

Environment Agency staff issued the warning as part of a message to communities in Cumbria, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Devon and Cornwall.

They urged residents to be ready for possible flooding and disruption to travel due to heavy rain and high tides.

Rivers in Cumbria, Lancashire and Yorkshire already affected by record river levels throughout the wettest December on record are likely to be at risk.

Clare Dinnis, national flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, said: “With heavy rain and high tides this week, people in Cumbria, Yorkshire, Devon and Cornwall need to be prepared for the risk of flooding.

“We will issue flood warnings and alerts where necessary as rivers respond to the rainfall.

"This could also cause drains to overflow, so people need to be ready for flash flooding in some places.

"Environment Agency teams are already out checking flood defences, clearing trash screens and blockages in watercourses and culverts.

“Disruption to travel and some flooding of low-lying land and individual properties is possible.

"We urge people to take care near coastal paths and promenades, and not to drive through flood water.

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