Homes flooded and roads under water in Knaresborough

John Plummer

Last updated May 6, 2024

Homes flooded and roads were left under water in Knaresborough following flash floods this evening.

A sudden and intense downpour forced homes to be evacuated after two inches of rain fell in less than an hour.

Here’s what happened. If you were affected, please let us know what happened by emailing [email protected].

This is what happened,

8.02pm: Downpour on River Nidd

Rachel at the Watermill Cafe down on Waterside has sent us this video of ducks making the most of the downpour on the River Nidd at about 7pm tonight. Thanks, Rachel!

7.52pm: Firefighters reducing flooding on Eastfield

The latest from Eastfield, thanks to Emma Knights…

“The amazing fire brigade are there pumping the water down the storm drain so they’ve blocked the road off for now, but the water has definitely gone down.”

8.01pm: Ducks enjoying the downpour on River Nidd

Rachel at the Watermill Cafe down on Waterside has sent the following image showing ducks having fun on the River Nidd.

7.41pm: Two inches in less than an hour

The North Yorkshire Weather Updates Facebook page is saying an astonishing two inches of rain fell in Knaresborough in less than an hour.

7.35pm: Questions about drainage

The floods have posed questions about drainage. Ryan Kett, who we wrote about at 7.21pm, has said:

“Will now be looking at how I can improve drainage as I suspect these may become a more common occurrence with climate change.”

Simon Gibson has sent us this image of water cascading down at Knaresborough rail station and said:

“Northern needs to sort the gutters out on the platforms, water running down the walls and through the entrance to the station.”

7.31pm: Floating wheelie bins on Eastfield

Emma Knights has posted this image of Eastfield this evening. Please let us know how things are where you are.

7.25pm: Leeds to Harrogate line blocked

Rail operator Northern has just posted this on social media.

https://twitter.com/northernassist/status/1787543226666426563

7.21pm: Narrow escape for homeowner

Knaresborian Ryan Kett, who is on the Hay-a-Park estate near Halfpenny Lane has posted about his narrow escape from flooding on X.

A few millimetres higher and the water would have been in my kitchen, has subsided and drained now fortunately, never known rain like it (Knaresborough) #knaresborough #flooding #flashfloods pic.twitter.com/QyMYIItzQR

— Ryan Kett (@ryankett) May 6, 2024

7.13pm: Photos show state of roads

These images show how badly High Bridge and Eastfield have been affected.

6.58pm: Homes flooded, trains and roads affected

Homes on Halfpenny Lane have been floded and the road outside Mother Shipton’s is under water.

Homes just a few minutes away escaped with virtually no rain.

LNER is warning of delays

⚠️#LNERUpdate Due to heavy rain flooding the railway between #Harrogate and #Leeds, Services are subject to delays when passing in the surrounding area.

ℹ️For live updates, visit: https://t.co/OmFNCx20Bz pic.twitter.com/CgJDJ0aiJ6

— London North Eastern Railway (@LNER) May 6, 2024