York set to see worse flooding after Storm Dennis than after Ciara

The Met Office has issued an Amber warning for York, saying very heavy rain from tomorrow lunchtime is likely to cause flooding of property, with a good chance of some communities being cut off by flooded roads and fast flowing or deep floodwater likely, causing danger to life.

Forecasters also think power cuts are likely, train and bus services are likely to experience delays and some cancellations and some roads are likely to close.

The Environment Agency said Storm Dennis was expected to bring significant rainfall, with some snow at higher ground, and this could lead to possible widespread flooding.

“We are preparing for higher river levels than earlier this week in York," said a spokesman.

The Ouse rose to 4.3 metres above normal summer levels earlier this week after Storm Ciara caused heavy rain in the catchment.  It is still more than 3 metres above normal in York, even before the next storm arrives.

The spokesman said a multi-agency flood plan, in partnership with City of York Council, had been enacted.

"Our flood gates remain closed and the Foss Barrier is in operation."

He urged people to remain vigilant and be prepared to act quickly, check their flood risk, sign up to a free Flood Warning Service at www.gov.uk/flood and visit the Met Office website for local weather forecasts at www.metoffice.gov.uk.  “Avoid driving through flood water; just 30cm of fast flowing water is enough to move your car," he added.

City of York Council said that it and its partners were “putting in place all the Ouse’s flood defences to protect homes, businesses and keep York open for business as usual ahead of Storm Dennis’ arrival”.

It said it was closing some car parks which were usually affected by flooding, and providing alternative parking elsewhere.

It said Esplanades, Rowntree Park and St George’s Field car parks would be closed from today and the council was opening Moor Lane car park 24/7, primarily for coaches, which would be free of charge until St George’s Field coach park was operational again.

Cllr Paula Widdowson, executive member for climate, said the authority was closely monitoring the situation.

“We are as confident as we can be that our flood defences will protect those homes and businesses at risk,” she said. “And we’re taking precautions to keep our fantastic city open so residents and businesses can enjoy all York has to offer, including this weekend’s Jorvik Viking festival.

“We are contacting individuals and communities along the Ouse identified as being at risk if river levels continue to rise as expected.

“Huge thanks go to staff and key services who are working tirelessly to keep York safe.”

The Met Office had already issued an Amber warning yesterday for the Dales, which is the catchment for the River Ouse, sparking concerns about further flooding in York as water comes downstream.