Flooding hits North Yorkshire homes and closes roads

Flooding is affecting many parts of North Yorkshire, with several roads closed across the county.

Police are warning there is standing water on many roads and are asking drivers to take care.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said it had been helping people at a number of flooded properties across the county.

Police said Broadway in York city centre and minor roads remained closed after heavy rainfall.

Fire crews helped a number of properties in Saxton which were flooded overnight into Sunday.

Saxton Lane to Main Street in Saxton, near Tadcaster, is closed as a result.

In September, a bridge in Tadcaster about five miles (8km) from Saxton was forced to close due to major flooding.

The bridge, over the River Wharfe, which links two parts of the town was shut for several days causing major disruption.

Earlier this weekend the A66, at Ravensworth, and Peasholm Gap, at Scarborough, were closed due to flooding.

On Sunday afternoon, police said the majority of major roads had reopened but warned drivers to pay attention while on minor routes.

Mr Austwick said the fire service had attended a number of flooding incidents on Sunday morning, including unblocking culverts near Whitby and a flooded property in Birstwith near Summerbridge.

The Environment Agency said it was monitoring river levels, clearing blockages and operating pumping stations and washlands to try to manage river levels.

Flood risk manager Phil Younge said: "We are expecting more flooding this evening [Sunday] and urge people to use the daylight hours to prepare for possible flooding tonight and into Monday.

"Our teams have been out around the clock over the last few days to minimise the risks and prepare for flooding. We are continuing to deploy teams across the country to warn communities at risk."

Motorists are being warned to drive with caution after the service helped a person in Northallerton who became stranded after trying to go through deep surface water.

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for the Yorkshire and Humber area as more heavy rain is forecast later.