Flood warning for Harrogate and the Dales as Storm Christoph approaches
People should prepare for a risk of flooding
Last updated 18th Jan 2021
Heavy downpours are expected to hit Harrogate and the Dales this week which the Met Office say will bring "multiple hazards".
Storm Christoph could potentially bring flooding in some areas as well as strong winds.
An amber warning has been issued for majority of Yorkshire, with around 200mm of rain expected to fall on higher ground between Wednesday and Friday this week.
The rain, combined with melted snow, means that rivers are running high which could lead to flooding.
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Flood preparations are being put in place across the Bradford district, with river and surface water flooding expected from the early hours of Tuesday 19 January into Wednesday.
There are currently flood alerts in place at the Upper River Aire, around Skipton and Keighley.
Things are expected to change rapidly so members of the public are encouraged to check flood warnings regularly.
Residents who live in flood risk areas are advised to start to prepare their properties for flooding. This includes activating their flood plan, moving furniture and valuables and important documents upstairs, and moving cars, caravans, garden items to higher ground.
Leader of Bradford Council, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, said: “Anyone who lives in a high risk flood area knows the devastation that flooding can bring.
“We are doing all we can as a council and working with our partners to prepare the district, but we need people to make their own preparations. If you live in a high risk flood area, please make sure you are signed up to receive flooding alerts and do what you can to prepare your home and family.”
"Real threat of flooding"
Met Office chief meteorologist Dan Suri said: “Following a cold spell where the main hazard was snow, our focus now turns to notably heavy rain moving across the UK this week.
“Some locations could see over 100mm of rain falling through the course of just a couple of days. with up to 200mm possible over higher ground.
“These amounts of rainfall along with snow melt present a real threat of flooding and people should keep a close eye on flood warnings from the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales.”
The Environment Agency has advised people in these areas to prepare for flooding by using temporary barriers.
Meanwhile, the opening of flood storage reservoirs is being arranged.
Offering advice on staying safe in these adverse conditions, Katherine Smith, flood duty manager at The Environment Agency, said: “We urge people to keep away from swollen rivers and not to drive through flood water – it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.”