Residents in areas prone to flooding across the Harrogate district have been urged to be ready for rising waters this week.
The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for residents around the lower River Nidd today, as snow further up the river melts rapidly.
Areas around Cattal, Tockwith and Kirk Hammerton could all be affected as water levels rise today.
The warning says roads and farmland could be flooded as the river reaches its peak, along with tributaries including Sand Beck, Sike Beck, Pool Beck and Great Gutter. The warning says river levels in the upper catchment have already peaked.
The Environment Agency said:
“Please be aware that further rain is forecast from Tuesday, January 19. We are closely monitoring the situation and our incident response staff are checking defences. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses.”
Meanwhile, the Met Office has issued yellow and amber warnings of heavy rain across North Yorkshire. Coming into effect from the early hours of Tuesday morning and lasting until Thursday, they warn of fast-flowing, deep floodwater which could pose a danger to lives.
Homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to buildings, and some communities could be cut off. Power cuts, road closures and disruption to public transport are also likely, the Met Office said.
