The government’s flood information service has issued a flood warning for the River Nidd just south of Pateley Bridge.

The warning, which was issued shortly before 4pm, says flooding is expected at Low Laithe between Dacre Banks and Glasshouses.

It adds roads and farmland are expected to flood and immediate action is required:

“Levels on the River Nidd are rising at Pateley Bridge. Please be aware that persistent and heavy rain is forecast until Thursday. Please avoid walking or driving through flood water.”

Two hours earlier the flood information service issued a less severe flood alert for the Upper Nidd around Wath and Lofthouse, just north of Pateley Bridge.

The Upper Nidd alert says:

“Areas most at risk are low lying land and roads.

“Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and do not walk or drive through flood water.”

Read more:

• Flood alerts issued as heavy rain forecast for Harrogate district
• £2.5 million project to prevent flooding at Fountains Abbey

Storm Christoph is beginning to saturate the Harrogate district and beyond.

Five flood warnings and 30 flood alerts are effective in North Yorkshire, where rain is expected to fall until midday Thursday.