YORK and North Yorkshire were today preparing for more flooding after the Environment Agency issued warnings across the region.

The warnings were renewed for York riverside paths, including King's Staith and Queen's Staith, and South Esplanade, and at Naburn Lock.

A new warning was issued for St George's Field in the city.

The Environment Agency predicted the River Ouse in York would peak at about 3.8m (12.5ft) above normal by midday today.

Warnings were also issued for Kelfield Road and Kelfield Ings at Cawood, where the Ouse was not expected to peak until this evening at 7m (23ft) above normal.

Welham Road in Norton, Ryedale, was also on a flood warning, where the River Derwent was said to be rising slowly. A peak of 3.1m (10.2ft) was predicted.

Flood watches were renewed for the Vale of York and the River Derwent at Stamford Bridge.

An Environment Agency spokeswoman said: "The weather forecast for the next 24 hours is for less than 5mm of rain.

"We don't anticipate any major problems."

Meanwhile, Scarborough Borough Council has warned youngsters against running along the seafront to dodge waves crashing over the walls.

Floodline's number is 0845 9881188.

Updated: 11:47 Wednesday, February 27, 2002