Flood defences are being put in place as river levels rise in the aftermath of Storm Bella.
City of York Council and partners are putting out sandbags and other measures to make sure York residents and businesses can get on with ‘business as usual’.
There are no active flood warnings in York at the moment. But River Ouse levels are predicted to peak at around 4m in the early hours of tomorrow (Monday 28 December).
Sandbag barriers are being constructed at Clementhorpe, Tower Gardens and Tower Street, together with a pump to clear water, while flood boards have been installed at Peckitt Street.
Here are all the changes:
- Sandbag barriers are being constructed at Clementhorpe, Tower Gardens and Tower Street, together with a pump to clear water, while flood boards have been installed at Peckitt Street.
- St George’s Field Car Park will be closed today.
- Rowntree Park will remain open today until 4pm, but will be closed tomorrow.
- Riverside paths in the city and access roads in Poppleton and Naburn will be affected.
- Any residential properties likely to be affected are resilient to flooding at these levels, but residents are advised to follow their personal flood plans.
Councillor Paula Widdowson, executive member for climate change, said: “As a city, we’ve spent a lot of time and effort preparing for flood risk so we can protect people and property. This means we should be able to get on with our lives as usual.
“The expected levels are lower than we saw in February this year. We’re putting in place the local and citywide flood defences, and any residents or businesses at risk of flooding should also put their own flood plans in place.
“It’ll be Covid-secure business as usual for York on what is shaping up to be a gloriously clear day. Just take extra care on the roads and remember that riverside paths and cycle ways are likely to be affected as river levels rise.”
For more information on floods in York, including advice on how to prepare, visit the council’s web page here.