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York river levels not expected to rise to Monday’s peak – despite the rain

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Dame Judi Dench Walk reemerges on Thursday as the river levels fall. Photographs: Richard McDougall

York river levels will rise again with the renewed rainfall – but are not expected to reach the levels seen earlier this week.

That’s the latest advice from the Environment Agency this evening.

City of York Council said the River Ouse is currently falling slowly. A spokeswoman said: “Whilst rain is forecast in the coming days across the country, river levels are not expected to reach the levels experienced earlier this week.


“So, York is very much open for business.”

The next peak is forecast to be 3.69m at 11am tomorrow (Friday) – compared to the 4.4m peak on Monday. It is then forecast to drop to 3.54m by 4pm.

Heavy rainfall is expected on Friday, with a yellow warning for rain between midday and 6am Saturday.

Assessing needs

A council member of staff carries out door-to-door visits. Photograph: City of York Council
Council staff visited properties again today (Thursday) to reassure and update residents ahead of further rain expected over the weekend.

The council continues to work closely with the York and North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum, which includes police and fire services as well as North Yorkshire County Council, Met Office and Environment Agency.


Council leader Keith Aspden said:

  • Teams have been speaking with residents in flood-risk areas again today, to assess their needs and give the latest advice and information.

    We want to reassure residents and visitors that we are prepared for any increase in river levels ahead of the weekend and that York is open for business.

    York remains vibrant and exciting as usual, offering lots of activities and events for residents and visitors over this half-term.

More updates

The river level has dropped
As of Wednesday 19 February:

  • the council has visited residents in areas including Clementhorpe, Peckitt Street, Tower Street and the Fordlands Crescent to provide them an update on the situation
  • Esplanade car park has reopened
  • Main Street, Nether Poppleton is now open
  • additional inspections of the highway have been carried out as council workers prepare to repair potholes caused by flood water
  • defences have been staffed 24/7 with reinforcements including 11 pumps and extra sandbags available for Peckitt Street, Tower Gardens, Clementhorpe and the A19 at Germany Beck.

You can find out more at the council’s regularly updated floods page.

Roads still affected

  • the B1222 in Naburn is remains closed with signage in place
  • Clementhorpe has a flood defence closing the road just after the junction with River Street
  • Acaster Lane is closed due to flooding.