HUGE traffic jams built up on the A64 near York after a major route into the city was blocked by flooding today.

A low-lying stretch of the A19 at Fulford was closed in the early hours after the River Ouse rose to almost 4.5 metres above normal summer levels, following the heavy weekend rain in the Pennines.

Commuters heading to York from Selby and the A64 were diverted to the A1079, with queues of traffic building up the on the A64 from the A1079 Grimston Bar roundabout all the way to Copmanthorpe.

Motorists also reported extra delays on the York Outer Ring Road as far away as the A59 roundabout, as drivers sought other ways to enter the city.

However, tourist chiefs have stressed that the impact of the flooding is localised, and York remains open for business.