Flood defences put up to protect York businesses from Storm Bella
River levels are predicted to peak in the early hours of Monday morning
Last updated 27th Dec 2020
Flood defences are being put in place by City of York Council and partners to ensure York businesses and residents can get on with 'business as usual' despite river levels rising after Storm Bella hit the county.
With river levels predicted to peak at around 4 metres in the early hours of tomorrow (Monday 28 December), the council has acted early to put in place defences to protect those areas most affected.
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 and Rowntree Park will remain open today until 4pm, but will be closed tomorrow.
It's expected the riverside paths in the city and access roads in Poppleton and Naburn will be affected by rising river levels.
Any residential properties likely to be affected are resilient to flooding at these levels, but residents are advised to follow their personal flood plans.
As of 11am this morning, 19 yellow warnings for rain are in place across the county, with a further seven warnings requiring immediate action.
With no more rain predicted today, the river level is exected to slowly decline after peaking in the early hours of tomorrow. The council will not be issuing sandbags to properties unless the forecast levels rise.
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 www.york.gov.uk/floods . Information on flood warnings is available at https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings