THE Environment Agency is continuing to warn residents in York and across the region to be vigilant for the risk of flooding, though the River Ouse is expected to start falling overnight.

This afternoon (April 5), the Ouse in York remained at 3.6 metres above normal summer levels.

Flood warnings, meaning flooding is expected, are still in force for the Ouse.

The Foss Barrier, which was closed on Tuesday morning, is still in operation and is expected to remain in use until tomorrow morning at least.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “The Environment Agency is continuing to warn communities in North and East Yorkshire to be vigilant against the risk of flooding following heavy rainfall over the Easter weekend.

"For many locations, the main flood risk has now passed, however we still have flood warnings out in some areas so we do want people to be aware and take action where required.

"The immediate forecast is looking drier, however our monitoring and operational teams are working around the clock to protect communities as the previous weekend’s rainfall makes its way through the lower catchments."

Flood warnings are in place for the Ouse at York riverside properties, the Ouse at St George`s Field and Queen`s Staith and the Ouse at Naburn Lock, south of York.

Warnings are also in force for the River Derwent at Buttercrambe Mill and the Derwent at Stamford Bridge, with The Weir Caravan Park and Kexby Bridge the areas of concern.

Meanwhile, less severe flood alerts are in place for the Upper River Ouse in and around York and the Lower River Nidd, with the alert area covering Tockwith and Moor Monkton.

There is an alert in place for the Tidal River Wharfe. The area covered by the alert includes Tadcaster.

An alert is also in force for the Tidal River Ouse, and the area covered by the alert includes Selby.

In addition, there is an alert in place for the Lower River Derwent as levels remain high around Buttercrambe, Elvington, Stamford Bridge and all low lying land along the riverside.

The EA said an alert remains in place for the River Rye due to high levels around Howe Bridge near Malton.

An alert for the Upper River Derwent also remains in force due to high river levels on the River Rye at Howe Bridge and the River Derwent at Malton.

The pedestrian walkway over County Bridge in Malton remained closed this morning due to the River Derwent's high levels.

The Environment Agency ordered the closure of gates on to the walkway yesterday.

The forecast for the region tomorrow is a dry and bright start, with some fairly warm sunny spells developing. Cloud will thicken though, with some rain possible in the west later, forecasters say.

They also say changeable weather is likely over the weekend and into Monday, with outbreaks of heavy rain or showers at times, but some drier, brighter periods too.