Eight flood alerts and warnings remain in place across the Harrogate district this morning after hours of persistent rain.

Many roads and large swathes of land were flooded last night, leading to treacherous conditions.

Last night also saw firefighters deployed sandbags at Killinghall Primary School after some of the building was flooded.

Driving on the A61 between Harrogate and Ripon was particularly dicey, with the bridge dividing Ripley and Killinghall deep in water.

Bishop Monkton, which is between the two locations, was among the worst hit areas as the beck flooded.

Bishop Monkton. Pic: Helen Bagnall 

Bishop Monkton is subject to a flood warning, which was updated by the Environment Agency at 1.30am this morning to say further rainfall is forecast this afternoon and over the weekend.

It added:

“We are monitoring rainfall and river levels and are checking rivers for blockages in the area. Plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers which may be flooded.”

Flood warnings, which are more severe than flood alerts because they indicate flooding is expected and people should act, are also in place on the River Ure at Boroughbridge camping and caravanning site and on the River Nidd at Hunsingore, which is between Cattal and Kirk Deighton.

The Hunsingore warning, updated at 2.20am this morning, says:

“Areas most at risk include The Old Cornmill at Hunsingore. Further rainfall is forecast over the weekend. We will continue to monitor levels closely. Residents are strongly urged to take action now. Remain safe and be aware of your surroundings.”

The Boroughbridge warning says:

“River levels are expected to remain high into the weekend, where further heavy showers are possible. We are closing locks and flood gates in the area.”

Less severe flood alerts are active on the Lower River Ure, the Upper River Nidd catchment area, the Middle River Nidd catchment area, the Lower River Nidd catchment area River Crimple.

Rain died out overnight but the wet weather is forecast to return this afternoon and tomorrow.

Let us know of flooding in your area, Please send updates and photos to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk

Read more:

• Harrogate wild swimmers brave icy waters for Rob Burrows appeal
• Farmsion relaunches Ripon butchers shop

The Environment Agency has issued two flood alerts in the Harrogate district.

The alerts have been put in place overnight for the Lower River Nidd catchment near Kirk Hammerton and the lower River Ure, which affects Masham, Boroughbridge, Aldborough and Bishop Monkton.

It affects low-lying land including agricultural land and local road on the Lower River Ure and land around the Lower River Nidd and its tributaries including Sand Beck, Sike Beck, Pool Beck and Great Gutter.

The alerts said:

“Flooding is possible in this area.

“Monitor local water levels and weather conditions. Avoid using low lying footpaths or entering areas prone to flooding. Start acting on your flood plan if you have one.”

The move comes as a yellow weather warning is in place in the Harrogate district until 6am on November 3 amid forecast heavy rain due to Storm Ciarán.

The Met Office said rain could cause disruption in the north of England, including flooding and delays and cancellations to public transport.

Read more:

• Met Office issues another heavy rain warning for Harrogate district
• High levels of faecal bacteria in River Nidd confirmed

Flooding is causing major problems in the Harrogate district today. Many roads are treacherous and police are urging motorists to think carefully before setting off.

Here are some of the main stories so far today:

• A rest centre may be set up tonight in Knaresborough for flood evacuees.
• Pateley Bridge High Street was flooded first thing this morning but has cleared.
• Residents in Pateley have been battling to get hold of sandbags to protect their properties.
• The water gardens at Fountains Abbey near Ripon have been ‘totally devastated’ by floods.
• Travel conditions are hazardous — police are urging motorists not to risk driving through flooded streets.

Follow our live blog for updates and send details of what’s happening in Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Pateley Bridge, Masham and all points in between by emailing contact@thestrayferret.co.uk or send us a message on Facebook.

9.52pm: Rooms available in Knaresborough for genuine flood victims

9.47pm: Boroughbridge road predicted to flood overnight

It’s been a busy day for a lot of people but there are signs that things are starting to calm down. However:

⚠️River levels are still very high

⚠️B6265 Boroughbridge predicted to flood overnight

⚠️A Yellow wind warning is in place until 13:00 tomorrowhttps://t.co/bY84nwKX5L

— HBCEmergencyPlanning (@HBCPrepared) February 20, 2022

9.21pm: A658 south of Huby closed

Harrogate traffic constable David Minto has just tweeted a traffic update. We understand several cars have broken down after encountering the pot hole and are awaiting recovery.

https://twitter.com/TC174_NYP/status/1495508329787006978

9.18pm: Storm Franklin bringing high winds tonight

Winds of up to 51mph are expected overnight as Storm Franklin continues the wild weather in the Harrogate district.

A yellow weather warning for wind is in place until 1pm tomorrow.

It will be a very windy start to Monday due to #StormFranklin

Bands of rain & showers will also be sinking south during the rush hour, & combined with the strong winds may make travel difficult in places

Warnings are in force throughout the morning so stay #WeatherAware⚠️ pic.twitter.com/wtfn5NI9NF

— Met Office (@metoffice) February 20, 2022

8.57pm: River Ure at Boroughbridge close to record high

The Ure has also shot up today to near-record levels, as this graph shows.

According to the River Levels website, it was at 14.4 metres at 8.15pm tonight. The record is 15.79m, reached on September 26, 2012.

8.34pm: Video shows flooding in Pateley Bridge

8.19pm: Dramatic video shows Cattal flooding

8.10pm: River Nidd at Knaresborough near record level

This graph shows how rapidly the water level has increased today. The latest reading, at 7.30pm this evening, of 2.1m is only just below the highest ever, which was recorded on December 26, 2015 at 2.33m.

A typical level is between 0.43m and 0.63m.

However, the site says the river level is falling — it is 0.012m down on the reading 15 mins earlier.

7.41pm: 36 bus misses stops

https://twitter.com/harrogatebus/status/1495482851747414022

7.30pm: Leathley road ‘only passable by 4×4’

#StainburnClose #B6161 at #Leathley only passable by 4×4 due to floodwater.
If you are not sure of the depth STAY OUT.
Please do NOT attempt to drive through floodwater.

— North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (@NorthYorksFire) February 20, 2022

7.28pm: A61 at Harewood Bridge closed

#A61 #HarrogateRoad #HarewoodBridge at #Dunkeswick is closed to ALL traffic due to flood water.

— North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (@NorthYorksFire) February 20, 2022

7.01pm: Ripon’s River Ure bursts banks

Thanks to reader Paul Smith, who has sent us these cracking photos of the Ure bridge at North Road in Ripon, which he took at 5pm today.

6.21pm: Busy day for firefighters in Nidderdale

Today’s North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service incident log is unusually long. It reveals the key role firefighters have played in the flood effort today. Call-outs include:

10:28 Mill Lane, Spofforth. Crews assisted with flood water in basement of property. Crew pumped water out of a basement using two light portable pumps.

14:49 Summerbridge. Crews assisted with diverting flood water away from residential properties. Small tools and sandbags used.

14:51 King Street, Pateley Bridge. Crews assisted several domestic properties with flood water. Crews pumping out.

15:25 Dacre Banks. Crews assisted homeowners in the area that had been affected by flood water. Crews used light portable pumps to alleviate water levels.

15:38 Low Wath Road, Pateley Bridge. Crews responded to a property that had water ingress affecting their electrics. Crews used a light portable pump to remove water from property.

15:40 Knaresborough. Crews assisted several residents to evacuate due to high levels of flood water. Crews used water rescue equipment

6.15pm: Naturist club reports damage

https://twitter.com/ValleyClubHgate/status/1495458782817787907

6.12pm: Video shows dire state of A61 at Harewood bridge.

6.07pm: Will rest centre for evacuees in Knaresborough be set up?

The Ready for Anything service, which is a group of volunteers co-ordinated by North Yorkshire County Council, is reporting on social media that Chain Lane community centre and the town hall are being considered as possible sites for a rest centre for flood evacuees.

The message adds Pateley Bridge and Boroughbridge are also being ‘closely watched’.

6pm: Pets rescued from Knaresborough caravan park

We reported earlier that firefighters were rescuing some residents. It seems they’ve gone back for the pets!

https://twitter.com/russjenks999/status/1495451705231790082

5.56pm: Avoid A61 between Harewood and Pannal

We are receiving reports the road is totally flooded and should be closed.

5.02pm: Firefighters rescue residents in Knaresborough

https://twitter.com/NorthYorksFire/status/1495440197638623238

4.53pm: Knaresborough street flooded

Thanks to Michael White for this photo of Rowan Close in Knaresborough, which he says floods frequently due to heavy rain and blocked gutters.

4.45pm: Latest flood alerts and warnings

There appear to be 17 flood alerts and flood warnings active in the Harrogate district. Eleven are along the River Nidd.

4.41pm: Firefighters called to Pateley Bridge

Kevin Wood has sent us this photo from Pateley Bridge. e says:

“Looks like the rain is with us for the rest of the day. Hope the rest of Pateley is OK as we can’t get out.”

4.32pm: Sections of The Stray in Harrogate under water

The Stray is no stranger to puddles of water but even so, the current situation isn’t looking too great.

4.29pm: Leak on Hollins Lane in Hampsthwaite

Be careful driving in Hampsthwaite.

4.17pm: Update from Knaresborough

Some great photos have been added to the Knaresborough Photography Facebook page.

3.45pm: Sandbag problems?

Thanks again to Louise Kendall in Pateley Bridge, who sent this photo of a home trying to withstand rising floodwater.

Louisa says:

“This is the result of the local council refusing to give us sandbags as they say the river is dropping however its the drains causing the problem.

“I messaged them and they said apparently sand bags are not being released at the moment as the river is going down.”

UPDATE: Louise messaged later to say: “They have given in after a lot of hassle and given us several.”

3.38pm: Update from Ripon

Our Ripon reporter Tim Flanagan has sent this update from the city.

The River Skell rages past the Water Rat – a popular gastro pub overlooking Alma Weir and Ripon Cathedral, that is owned by Rick Jones. The pub was inundated in the floods of June 2007.

As river levels rise in the downpour, the ford at the Firs Avenue crossing near Farmison was overwhelmed when the banks burst.

Ripon’s main River, the Ure is also rising fast and can be seen here at Hewick Bridge near Ripon racecourse.

The Skell between the Iron Bridge and Bondgate Bridge passes the children’s playground in full spate.

3.31pm: Cancellations and delays at Leeds rail station

https://twitter.com/northernassist/status/1495419704076292099

3.29pm: Weather update: rain expected to continue

The latest Met Office forecast for Harrogate is for more rain until 9pm tonight but it could ease after 5pm. Don’t forget, a yellow weather warning for wind is in place until 1pm tomorrow, when this grim period of weather should finally abate.

3.20pm: Flooding at the Studley Royal water garden at Fountains Abbey

The National Trust has released this video of flooding that has ‘totally devastated’ the water gardens at Fountains Abbey today. You can read more here.

3.04pm: 24 bus route cancelled

https://twitter.com/harrogatebus/status/1495412109710082052

2.54pm: River Nidd in Knaresborough

Thanks to Michael Ward for this picture of the River Nidd in Knaresborough, where it has burst its banks and partially submerged some trees.

2.45pm: Latest in Pateley Bridge

Thanks to reader Louise Kendall for these photos taken in the last few minutes, Parts of the town remain under water but Louise tells us the flood has subsided on the High Street thanks to Lee from the Spar shop cleaning the drains. “Greenwood road is worse now,” she says.

Anyone from Knaresborough able to update us on the situation there? The caravan parks are close to the Nidd.

2.43pm: Police issue warning to drivers

Please be aware there are a number of flooded roads throughout the county. Pleas DO NOT drive into floodwater. North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service will not recover vehicles.

— North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (@NorthYorksFire) February 20, 2022

2.34pm: Pateley Bridge still badly affected

The bottom of the Nidderdale town was flooded this morning after the River Nidd burst its banks. Many nearby roads are also affected. Let us know the latest situation by emailing contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Residents in the Harrogate district woke today to more flood warnings after days of heavy rain.

Keep refreshing this page to get the latest updates on weather and travel.

Help to keep our live blog up to date by sending pictures and information about flooding to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

4.30pm – Boroughbridge residents fight the flood

People in Boroughbridge have been fighting hard to keep their homes and businesses dry as the river and canal spill over.

We sent a reporter to the town to see how people were coping with the floods.

Read our report here: https://thestrayferret.co.uk/boroughbridge-care-home-garage-and-homeowners-fight-floods/

3.07pm – Met Office yellow warning for ice tonight

Storm Christoph may be abating but weather problems are likely to persist, according to the latest Met Office update. It says river levels could continue to rise “for a little longer” and colder weather is on its way.

A yellow warning for ice is in place for the Harrogate district tonight. Temperatures are forecast to fall as low as minus one degree centigrade tonight and sub-zero nighttime temperatures are forecast until Monday.

https://twitter.com/metoffice/status/1352269742548115456

2.35pm – York-Leeds trains cancelled for today

The train operator has said the weather is causing some issues on its lines meaning services between York and Leeds will be withdrawn for the rest of the day.

Northern added it was working with Network Rail to recover the tracks following the bad weather.

https://twitter.com/northernassist/status/1352247289629257728

1.35pm – Number of flood alerts and warnings reduces

Is the situation improving? There are now eight flood warning and alerts in place in the Harrogate district, compared with 11 last night. Areas near Boroughbridge seem to be experiencing the main threat now.

Flood warnings, which are more severe, remain active for:

Swinney Beck in Masham

River Ure at Roecliffe caravan park

River Ure at Milby Island

River Nidd at Hunsingore

Flood alerts are in place for:

Upper River Nidd catchment

Lower River Nidd catchment

Lower River Ure

Lower Dunsforth Access

12.39pm – Fountains Abbey affected by storm damage

Fountains Abbey has withstood some tumultuous times but Storm Christoph has left a scar.

1/2 The arrival of storm Christoph has caused some dramatic affects here this morning.
More frequently occurring extreme weather events are a direct result of climate change and are the single biggest threat to the precious landscapes cared for by the National Trust. pic.twitter.com/bHUGTeTBVj

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) January 21, 2021

11.36am – Warnings over travel on A59 at Whixley

North Yorkshire County Council has issued a warning to drivers travelling between Harrogate and York.

It says the A59 at Whixley is only ‘passable with care’ thanks to water on the carriageway.

Other roads affected are Tockwith Road in Long Marston and Spofforth Lane in North Deighton.

A full list of road closures and affected routes can be found on NYCC’s website.

10.53am – List of roads affected by weather

North Yorkshire County Council has just published seven tweets listing which roads in the county have been affected by weather.

Many are not in the Harrogate district but the east of the district, around Cattal and Bishop Monkton, features prominently.

New Row, between Darley and Birstwith, is also on the list.

(1/7)A number of roads in #NorthYorkshire are effected by #flooding or #snow.

Closed
•C32 Fleet Moss
•Unclassified Askrigg East and West Moor
•Unclassified Redmire Moor
•Kirby Wiske, Maunby
•Dalton lane at Cod beck Blenders
•Cowlands Lane, Holme-on-Swale pic.twitter.com/vHPQjNmeYc

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) January 21, 2021

10.20am – Homes may flood in Masham

The government’s flood information service has updated at 10am to say homes may flood in Masham today.

“River levels have risen as a result of heavy rainfall associated with Storm Christoph.

“Consequently, flooding of property is possible. Areas most at risk are properties along Westholme Road.

“No further significant rainfall is expected today. We are closely monitoring the situation.

“Our incident response staff are closely monitoring the forecast.

“Please put your flood plan into action and activate any property flood protection products you may have.”

10.15am – Firefighters pump water from flooded Harrogate home

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue pumped flood water from a basement in Harrogate this morning.

The incident summary for the night details how the crew used a light portable pump at the property on Lancaster Road at 8.30am.

A crew also attended a property in Nun Monkton surrounded by floodwater and gave advice to the homeowner.

10am – More than 100 flood warnings and alerts

There are currently 65 flood warnings and 52 flooding alerts across North Yorkshire and the surrounding area.

North Yorkshire County Council has warned people to only travel if the journey is essential and to not drive through flooded roads.

The government’s flood alert system is currently a sea of orange and red warnings across the UK and North Yorkshire.

https://twitter.com/KnaresPolice/status/1352194198800371712

9am – Close call for Knaresborough caravan park

Residents living at the Nidderdale Lodge Park in Knaresborough had a close call with the river Nidd’s water levels last night.

This picture below shows just how high the water is this morning. The resident said the blue bench (pictured) was submerged last night but it has not reached the same levels as in 2015.

Photograph: Margaret Pearson

8am – River Nidd flowing fast in aftermath of Storm Christoph

Our reporter captured this video of a fast-flowing river Nidd near Killinghall this morning.

Storm Christoph now appears to have passed but many residents in the district will have to keep a close eye on the rivers near them.

How the river Nidd is looking today in the aftermath of Storm Christoph. Follow our live blog here: https://t.co/Fc0lNqw4cb pic.twitter.com/I5H7GCgXd6

— The Stray Ferret (@thestrayferret) January 21, 2021

7.30am – Boroughbridge river levels peak at 15 metres

The river Ure in Boroughbridge reached 15 metres over night and appears to be on the way down.

According to the Gauge Map, the river levels topped off at around 2am last night.

While still high, the river lowered to 14.8 metres at around 7am this morning.

On 21/01/21 at 01:15 the river level was 14.93mAOD and above its typical range. pic.twitter.com/KlSi0455I8

— Boroughbridge (@riverlevel_1874) January 21, 2021

7am – Harrogate district through worst of heavy rain

The Met Office no longer has any weather warnings in place for the Harrogate district after days of heavy rain.

Forecasters are predicting some showers to hit around midday but only for around a couple of hours.

Friday and the weekend is set to be largely dry, providing relief for rivers running at high levels.

6.40am – Several flood warnings in place

The government’s flood information service added more flood warnings to the Harrogate district last night.

Swinney Beck in Masham and the Bishop Monkton Beck are the latest to be added to the list of places expected to flood.

Warnings also remain in place for Knaresborough, Boroughbridge and Low Laithe.

Flood warnings are more sever than alerts and mean that “flooding is expected,” with “immediate action required.”