City officials have described York’s floods as ‘unprecedented’ and have asked people not to travel in or around the city unless absolutely necessary.
Around 500 properties have been flooded following overwhelming river levels for the Foss and Ouse.
The River Ouse is currently at 5.1m above normal summer levels and is expected to peak around lunchtime tomorrow (Monday 28 December) at 5.3m above normal summer levels.
People are being asked not to travel to York or around the city unless their journey is “absolutely essential”.
Anyone needing to get from one side of the city to the other should use the Outer Ring Road (A1237 and A64). The A19 is closed at Fulford.
Pedestrian and cycle links across the River Foss are restricted in the Walmgate/Piccadilly area.
A bus service is operating from Fishergate Gyratory, down Hull Road, along the A64 and to the station via Tadcaster Road to provide a link for pedestrians between the two sides of the city.
‘Stay away’ say police
North Yorkshire Police are requesting that visitors to the area, or those wanting to view the floods, do not visit York or Selby District at this time and delay their visit until flood risk has passed.
DCC Tim Madgwick, Gold Commander said:
Routes that are open and passable are critical to emergency services to access to those who need support. We would ask people who do not need to travel to York, Selby and Selby district to delay their visit until the flood risk has passed.
The risk is being constantly monitored through a multi-agency approach. As flood waters are currently rising, we expected a clearer picture of maximum levels tomorrow, when they peak.
400 soldiers in the city
Representatives are working 24/7 from City of York Council, the Environment Agency, North Yorkshire Police, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue, Northern Powergrid and Yorkshire Water to support the city and residents
Two hundred military personnel have been working in York throughout the day filling and deploying sandbags and liaising with affected residents. Another 200 military personnel will arrive in the city later on Sunday (December 27).
The council has also asked other councils for support in providing additional sandbags to meet the unprecedented demand.
York council is opening a second rest centre at Energise Leisure Centre for those affected by the flooding on the north of the city.
A recovery planning operation is also being launched alongside the emergency response to ensure that residents and stores affected by the flooding can get the support they need as soon as possible.
The agencies would like to thank residents for their help and assistance over the last few days.
Bus diversions
Park & Ride services should be used where possible to access the city centre if necessary.
Walmgate/Piccadilly area is only easily accessible from Walmgate Bar/Fishergate Bar direction by foot. Only one access available to/from city centre by foot across river Foss in the Piccadilly area.
Most bus routes are operating a Sunday service but are severely affected by road closures. Please contact the bus operator for more direct information before travelling.
Please contact the bus operator for more direct information before travelling.
Cross city bus services are severely affected by closure of Tower Street and parts of inner ring road in city centre.
First are operating all Park&Ride services in York (Sunday timetable). Journey times will be longer. Routes will be affected and diversions are in place.
Coastliner service: currently diverting along the A64/Tadcaster Road. Not able to serve Stockton on the Forest or other areas to the East of the city.
Arriva 415 from Selby. Diverting via Hull Road and terminating at Fishergate.
1 From Haxby Crossing buses will divert via ring Road, Wigginton Road, Clarence Street in both directions. All Stops between New Earswick Road and Clarence Street will not be able to be served.
5/5A. From Earswick, buses will divert via ring Road, Wigginton Road, Clarence Street in both directions. All Stops on Huntington Road and Clarence Street will not be able to be served.
6 Buses between Osbaldwick and City Centre Suspended.
7 Designer Outlet will divert via Tadcaster Road and A64 to Station. A special Shuttle service will operate between Broadway and Fishergate operating via Fulford Road and Fishergate.
8 Grimston Bar Park and Ride is diverted via Hull Road via Lawrence Street terminating at Fishergate.
9 Monks Cross Park and Ride operating via A64, Hull Road via Lawrence Street terminating at Fishergate.
10 Poppleton Will divert from Millfield Lane, left on to Ebor Way, right onto Alllerton Drive, Riversvale Drive, left on to Main Street, then as normal route. Buses will wait time at Upper Poppleton Green.
14 From Haxby Crossing buses will divert via A1237 ring Road, Wigginton Road, Clarence Street in both directions. All Stops between New Earswick Road and Clarence Street will not be able to be served.
59 Skeldergate Closure Buses will terminate at Railway Station.
Bishopthorpe Service 11 diverted via Sim Balk Lane – not covering South Bank area
Reliance Services 19 (except Bowness Drive) 30, 40 operating to normal Sunday service.
Bishopthorpe Service 11 diverted via Sim Balk Lane – not covering South Bank area.