Further flooding possible in York, says Environment Agency – but the city is open and prepared

The Environment Agency says more flooding is possible in York, with heavy rain forecast.

Caroline Douglass, director of incident management at the EA, said: “Further spells of rain in northern England from today (Friday) and into the weekend, which are also expected into next week, could cause further flooding, particularly across the Pennines and parts of northern England, York and the Midlands.”

At the same time the message from City of York Council is clear: the city remains open for business this weekend with flood defences remaining in place in preparation for further rainfall.

A council spokeswoman said: “The latest advice from the Environment Agency is that the River Ouse will rise over the weekend with rain forecast across the region.

“River levels are not expected to reach the levels seen earlier this week after Storm Dennis.”

Lots to do

The city is open and filled with half term activities this weekend, including the Viking march from the Minster to Coppergate as part of the Jorvik Viking Festival finale.

Council leader Keith Aspden said:

• Teams are continuing to monitor the city’s flood defences in anticipation of further rainfall in the coming days.

  I look forward to meeting with residents in coming weeks at community drop-in session across the city.

  Whilst we have heard lots of useful and positive feedback from door-to-door visits this week, these sessions will provide us with further opportunity to listen and learn from residents affected.
  

Three flood warnings remain in place in York.

The Environment Agency river forecasters will continue to monitor the situation 24/7 and provide further updates.