Flood defences to remain in place as more rain forecast

Clean up operation start across the city

City of York Council’s clean-up operation will start from today, but flood defences are staying firmly in place to continue protecting the city as heavy rain is expected this 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.

The latest advice from the Environment Agency is that the River Ouse is currently falling (slowly) so York is very much open for business.

With the expectation some warnings may be taken off, these may come back into force throughout the weekend with heavy rain expected. View the latest river level predictions and warnings here

Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council said: “As our clean-up operation starts, you’ll see our front line teams sweeping and cleaning paths and cycle routes across the city from today. We’ll also be carrying out additional inspections of our roads to repair potholes.

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

“We will be visiting hundreds of residents in flood-risk areas again over the rest of the week tomorrow and Thursday, to assess their needs and give the latest advice and information.

“Thank you again to all residents for your patience and support as the city deals with storms on consecutive weekends. My thanks also go to our staff and partners for their fantastic work, which has gone above and beyond required duties.”

“Please keep an eye out for the latest information and alerts from the Environment Agency for updates on river levels in the city.”

The Environment Agency river forecasters will continue to monitor the situation 24/7 and provide further updates.

As of Wednesday 19 February, the council has:

  • Having cleared over 300 gullies, swept roads and cleared drains, we also have tankers on standby for any surface water flooding incidents that occur.
  • Teams will now start to carry out the clean-up operation of sweeping and cleaning paths and cycle routes across the city (and river routes when water levels fall).
  • Hand delivered letters to properties considered to be at risk from flooding, offering up to date information and advice. This will include homes around Tower Gardens, Fishergate, Fulford and Naburn along the north bank of the River Ouse, and homes in Clementhorpe, Bishopthorpe and Acaster Malbis on the south bank.
  • Reopened Millennium Bridge
  • Reopened Esplanade car park
  • Carrying out additional inspections of the highway and preparing to repair pothole, caused by flood water.
  • Staff defences 24/7 with reinforcements including 11 pumps and extra sandbags available for Peckitt Street, Tower Gardens, Clementhorpe and the A19 at Germany Beck
  • Regularly updated the www.york.gov.uk/flood page to share the latest updates and advice.
  • Speaking to communities at risk and reiterating our commitment to protect them and offer advice.

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Post storm public service issues

River levels are rapidly returning to normal levels now with streets like Skeldergate reopening to traffic.

It will be several hours before the riverside paths are open and cleared of debris

Attention will now turn to how to restore other public services to an acceptable standard

  • Potholes have got worse during the recent weather. They are likely to be even worse in flooded streets
  • The high winds have cased problems with litter drift
  • Dumping at pumping station
  • The condition of several trees is a source of concern. Many need maintenance work
  • Many areas will remain waterlogged for several weeks
  • Request made for cycle path markings to be repainted
  • Time for BT to remove this kiosk (phone no longer working)
  • Speedy work by the Council in planting 3 additional trees on Acomb Wood Drive

River levels begin to drop in York – backlog of refuse collection work

The level of the river Ouse is now falling. It is expected to remain above normal levels for several days although riverside paths should reopen in a day or two.
Not surprisingly the Council has been unable to collect refuse from areas affected by flooding. Areas affected include Naburn, Acaster Malbis and Skeldergate.

York Flooding UPDATE – better news

Rivers  seem to be peaking in York at about the same level as last week. They are forecast to gradually decline over the next few days. A Red Flood Warning remains in place.

More information is available via this link https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/station/8208?direction=u

Less rainfall is expected today.

The weather has also impacted on other public services. We have reported several problems.

Large potholes are appearing on some roads like this one in Wharfe Drive
Major ponding problem on Tadcaster Road on Sunday
The ground is saturated and this may hinder building operations at several sites over the next few days. Mud on the road could be a problem for some.

York flooding UPDATE at 4:00pm 16th February 2020

Local gullies and drainage ditches seem to be coping well with surface water in York.

Acomb Wood

River levels are high but are not expected to peak now until late on Monday.

Meanwhile the York Council Leader Keith Aspden has issued a statement .

With the news that river levels are increasing, I wanted to email to provide an update on the impact of Storm Dennis in York, and to reassure residents that a wide-range of actions are being taken, both by the Council and key partners, to ensure the impact to the city and our communities is kept to a minimum.

The Environment Agency (EA) has confirmed levels on the River Ouse in York are forecast to be close to the levels in 2015. Current forecasts from the EA are showing that river levels could reach between 4.8 and 5 metres on the morning of Tuesday 18 February. However, conditions remain unsettled, with further rain forecast over the next 48 hours, and this could result in changes to the levels and peak timings. The Environment Agency river forecasters will continue to monitor the situation 24/7 and provide further updates.

The Council has spent Friday and Saturday strengthening the city’s flood defences and today we will be helping residents in the most ‘at risk’ locations with the provision of sandbags to protect their homes and businesses. Local Liberal Democrat Councillors have also been out working with local communities to ensure precautions are taken and vulnerable residents are provided support. We will continue to make preparations to keep our fantastic city open.

With the uncertainty over weather conditions, we ask that people continue to keep an eye out for the latest information and alerts from the Environment Agency, which provides river levels for the next 36 hours in York, and to look out for friends and neighbours who may need support. Above all, please stay well away from the rivers and flood water. I have copied below some useful information and links. For the latest information and advice visit: www.york.gov.uk/flood.

The Liberal Democrats in York have long campaigned to secure better flood defences for York and since the Boxing Day floods of 2015, a number of flooding schemes have been given the green light. However, far more needs to be done and further action is needed to build in the latest in flood prevention technology across the entire city. I will continue to make the case to the new Government and request that immediate action is taken to aid affected communities across our city.

Finally, I would like to thank all community volunteers, staff, and key services who are working tirelessly to keep York safe and open for all everyone.

 

Deep water
River Ouse near Naburn