In pictures: York flooding worst seen in 22 years

York is facing the worse flooding seen in 22 years as a result of storms Eunice and Franklin.

The River Ouse is expected to peak this morning at nearly five meters with flooding across the city, closing roads and businesses. This would be the highest level since 2000 when the river reached 5.40m.

In total, 11 flood warnings have been put in place across the city. The Environment Agency says residents should avoid walking, cycling, or driving through flood water.

York council has reassured residents that all necessary defenses are in place including sandbags, water pumps, and bridges.

Councillor Paula Widdowson, executive member for climate change, said: “Frontline teams are immediately putting in place the local and citywide flood defences, so any resident or business at risk of flooding should also put their own flood plans in place. Sandbags will be provided to communities at immediate risk of flooding – so there is no need to contact us.”

Cars have been stranded in the floods

She continued: “We’re also asking people to check in on their neighbours and friends, if safe to do so. The Council are contacting vulnerable residents who are receiving care services in affected areas, to ensure they are aware of the support and services available to them. We ask that all residents take care, whilst on essential journeys and daily exercise, to avoid flooded area such as riverside paths and cycle ways.”

Emergency accommodation has been offered by the council amid fears that over 140 homes could be flooded. This emergency accommodation can be accessed at any time by calling 01904 551550.

Popular student pub, The Lowther, pumping water out of the building

Although most of the city is unaffected by the floodwater, riverside houses and businesses have been seriously damaged. Several businesses, including riverside pubs such as The Lowther and The King’s Arms, have been forced to shut.

Flooding has risen up the streets

The council said that although St George’s Field and Esplanade car parks are closed due to flooding, “York is very much open fur business and your enjoyment.”

The riverside car park is completely underwater

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency told York Mix: “We know the devastating impact that flooding can have, which is why protecting people and communities is our top priority. Water levels in the upper catchments are going down and the picture is improving in these areas. The river level in Tadcaster has now peaked.”

They continued: “Although predictions can change as the forecasting model updates, we expect the Ouse to be at its highest level mid-morning on Tuesday. We have now issued all planned flood warnings and don’t anticipate that we will need to issue any further warnings at this stage.

“People should remain vigilant and take extreme care. We encourage people to check their flood risk online and keep up to date, follow @EnvAgency on Twitter for the latest updates or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.”

This morning, river levels have peaked higher than the 2015 height when flooding caused mass destruction across the city. The river reached 5.40m on 4 November 2000, the highest level recorded, making the current floods the second highest on record.

Flood defences are in place across the city

Flood defences are in place across the city. Sandbags and pumps can be seen at the entrance to Tower Gardens by Clifford’s Tower. The pumps and sandbags can help prevent flooding up to an Ouse height of 4.8 metres.

Flooding at Millenium Bridge

For video footage of the flooding, head to our Instagram story @theyorktab

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