Council bosses in York have urged people not to 'drive, cycle or walk through flood waters' as levels on the River Ouse continued to rise slowly today.

Flood warnings remain in place for properties beside the River Ouse in central York, and for St George's Field and at Naburn Lock.

Water levels in the Ouse had reached 3.8m (almost 12ft 6in) by 1pm today but are expected to peak at below 3.9m (12ft 9in) this evening.

The Foss Barrier is in operation and flood gates have closed.

City of York Council tweeted this afternoon: "As river levels continue to rise, defences remain in place and low lying roads are being assessed and closed if necessary.

"Please do not drive, cycle or walk through flood waters which can be dangerous as risks are hidden."

The Environment Agency said  water levels were rising following recent rainfall and snowmelt. "Flooding of properties, gardens, roads and paths is possible," it said.

"Further rain and snow is forecast over the next few days which will keep river levels high and possibly rise further."

York Press:

Map showing flood warning areas in York city centre today. Image: Environment Agency

Elsewhere, a flood warning remains in place for the River Derwent at The Weir Caravan Park and at Kexby Bridge near Stamford Bridge.

"Levels upstream at Malton are forecast to remain high today and further rain and snow forecast in the next few days will keep levels high," the Environment Agency says.

There are also flood alerts in place for the Lower River Derwent, the Lower River Nidd catchment area, the River Ouse from Naburn Lock to Selby, the tidal River Wharfe and the Upper River Ouse.