Here’s where we’re at with the York floods this afternoon (Wednesday, 23 February).
The waters are receding, but some low-lying land and riverside roads and paths are still not passable.
Eight food warnings remain in place around York, and five flood warnings are in the wider area.
Between tomorrow and Sunday, there is a very low risk further of flooding. At 2.45pm today, the Ouse was at 4.07m. The latest forecast says it will drop further, then rise slightly to reach 3.44m by 2.15am on Friday.
Today Skeldergate was still flooded and impassable. Parts of Rowntree Park remain underwater, meaning it will remain closed for some time.
River walks leading down from Bridge Street are still waterlogged and un-passable, although some individuals were taking a risk to to walk down the steps for photographs.
The outside areas of Vodka Revolution and Pitcher & Piano are accessible, despite flooding. The grilled area below Vodka Revolution has also filled with water from the river bursting its banks.
The usually peaceful view from Pitcher and Piano is now flooded and dangerous.
St George’s Field Car Park remains closed due to flooding, with some cars stranded.
At first glance, many riverside walkways appear passable. However, severe flooding has cut them off, causing eager tourists to turn back on themselves.
The city boat tours would usually find a huge source of revenue over half term. Instead, they are lined up together, unoccupied.
Chris Pegg, marketing manager at City Cruises UK, said on social media: “The past two weeks have been TOUGH. So much hard work from the team at City Cruises UK all in vain after high winds from storms and the following rainfall saw the river at four metres above normal height.”
He told ITV news that the York business had to issue £15K in refunds due to the floods.
Nevertheless, the message that the broader city is open for business – despite some wildly inaccurate stories – seems to have got through. York city centre has been busy with families for half term.
- 8 flood warnings meaning that flooding is expected
- River Ouse at Acaster Malbis
- River Ouse at Acaster Selby
- River Ouse at Bishopthorpe
- River Ouse at Naburn Lock
- River Ouse at York – Fulford and Fordlands Road
- River Ouse at York – riverside properties
- River Ouse at York – Skeldergate and Tower Street
- River Ouse at York – St George’s Field and Queen’s Staith
- 4 flood alerts meaning flooding is possible
- 6 flood warnings removed in the last 24 hours
