York Outer flood risk update
January 21, 2021
I am closely monitoring the situation, and have checked in with our local Environment Agency team about the steps they are taking. I aim to visit affected areas and examine the effectiveness of defences in person, covid rules allowing, as soon as possible.
The River Ouse is rising to an estimated 4.5 to 4.7 metres this evening/early tomorrow morning, a very similar level to that we experienced last February, while heavy rain last night has meant there are now flood warnings along the Foss as well as the Ouse.
The Foss Barrier is operational, and the Environment Agency believe the Foss situation will not get significantly worse, as the peak water level works its way down past the Barrier, although it will take some time for all the water to be moved.
City of York Council estimate that fewer than 100 properties along the Foss will be affected, mostly with water only entering gardens and outbuildings, but properties from Strensall down to Yearsley Baths may very sadly see some entrance of water. Low ground near the iron bridge on Huntington Road is also vulnerable to floodwater. Council officials have visited at-risk streets, and property-level defences should be sufficient at the moment. Sandbags will be deployed if requested by residents in the Strensall to Yearsley Baths stretch.
Elsewhere, sandbags have been deployed today and yesterday to at-risk areas, so there is no need for residents to approach the Council for them.
As of yesterday, flood pumps and defences have been activated around Fordlands Road and the A19 area of Fulford. Access roads for Naburn and Poppleton will also be affected by floodwater. Bishopthorpe Road near the crematorium has had one lane closed today, but has remained passable.
I want to pay heartfelt tribute to all Environment Agency, Council, and emergency services staff working flat out to keep the community safe, and am reassured this evolving situation is being handled well
I encourage York Outer residents to contact me if they have any concerns about flood defences in their area, or think there are issues that the authorities need to look into as a priority.
The latest flood warnings information is available at https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings?location=YORK
Residents can also ring Floodline on 0345 988 1188
City of York Council can be contacted on 01904 551 550
To subscribe to direct email updates from City of York Council, visit: www.york.gov.uk/form/EmailUpdates
