Flood warnings issued as Storm Bert hits region

Burnley Road at Callis Bridge was closed due to flooding.

Flood warnings were issued after heavy rainfall and melting snow caused river levels to rise rapidly in West Yorkshire, as Storm Bert swept across the region.

Twelve warnings were in place along the River Calder around Hebden Bridge and Todmorden, where sirens sounded on Saturday afternoon

River levels there peaked at about 16:00 GMT, according to the Environment Agency, with people advised to consider moving household valuables upstairs.

A yellow weather warning for rain is in place for parts of West and South Yorkshire until 07:00 on Sunday, with the wintry weather causing travel disruption and leaving around 1,500 homes without power earlier.

River levels at Todmorden and Hebden Bridge had exceeded 2.4m (7.9ft) by 17:00 on Saturday, according to the Environment Agency website.

At Mytholmroyd, the river level exceeded 4.3m. The agency said flooding of properties was possible at over 4.4m.

Storm Bert brought disruption to communities across Yorkshire

• Storm Bert brings flood alerts, heavy snow and travel disruption

The Environment Agency said: “Our focus of attention is the Calder Valley, where flood warnings have been issued and sirens sounded.

"Minor impacts are possible more widely across Yorkshire, which may continue in places until Tuesday. The overall flood risk is low.

"Teams are out on the ground, clearing grids and checking flood defence assets to ensure they're ready to respond if needed."

The agency added: "Consider taking appropriate steps to prepare for possible flooding, such as moving things upstairs and getting flood protection equipment ready to put in place."

The A646 was closed in both directions from Shaw Wood Road in Todmorden to Church Lane in Hebden Bridge.

Calderdale Council said Centre Vale Park, in Todmorden, was closed to allow flood gates to open to help manage river levels. People were advised to avoid the area.

Many pubs and businesses were shut in Hebden Bridge due to the risk of flooding.

Hebden Bridge Flood Action Group said the Town Hall was open to anyone who found themselves stranded and needed a place to be warm and dry.

Josh Fenton-Glynn, the MP for Calder Valley, was in Hebden Bridge to speak to residents.

He said: "We have seen some flooding but we're not as bad as 2020 or 2015. Hopefully if people are sensible and stay at home we'll be OK."

Roads were closed due to flooding in Mytholmroyd

Earlier in the day, heavy snowfall caused difficulties for motorists.

On the M1, one lane was closed northbound between Junction 38 for Huddersfield and junction 39 for Wakefield, with images on social media showing a HGV, which appeared to have slid down an embankment towards the motorway.

West Yorkshire Police said the lorry driver was uninjured and the road reopened at 10:15 after the vehicle was removed.

Meanwhile, Northern Powergrid said about 1,500 properties had lost power across North and West Yorkshire.

The company said it had been "restoring power as quickly as we can" to those affected.

The runway was shut at Leeds Bradford Airport earlier. Several flights were heavily delayed, while passengers travelling to Warsaw and Belfast saw their flights cancelled. Some arrivals were diverted to other airports.

Train operator Northern was also affected.

Lorries struggled to navigate the A65 between Skipton and Ilkley on Saturday morning

In sport, Bradford City's match against Accrington Stanley and Halifax Town's clash with Sutton United were postponed.

Scarborough Athletic's game against Kidderminster Harriers was also called off.

"Particularly exposed parts" of the East Yorkshire coastline between Bridlington and Barmston were covered by another flood alert.

Drivers and pedestrians in those areas were advised to take care.

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