York, Cawood and Selby are currently experiencing unprecedented levels of flooding, with rivers expected to peak during the evening and early hours of tomorrow morning.
North Yorkshire Police are requesting that visitors to the area, or those wanting to view the floods, do not visit York or Selby District at this time and delay their visit until flood risk has passed.
DCC Tim Madgwick, Gold Commander said:
We would advise people not to visit the affected areas of York and Selby at this time of high risk. Many major routes into York and Selby are currently flooded and travel in and around these areas is very challenging.
Routes that are open and passable are critical to emergency services to access to those who need support. We would ask people who do not need to travel to York, Selby and Selby district to delay their visit until the flood risk has passed.
The risk is being constantly monitored through a multi-agency approach. As flood waters are currently rising, we expected a clearer picture of maximum levels tomorrow, when they peak.
To residents and business owners – if you are contacted by emergency or support agencies and asked to evacuate your property, we realise the inconvenience and disruption, but please be assured that all risks will have been assessed and the decision to evacuate will have been made with your safety and best interest in mind.
Julia Mulligan, the Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire said:
The situation in York and Selby is serious and until the rivers stop rising, we won’t know for certain the extent of the risks being faced by people in York and Selby District, in particular. However, having spent the day at the Silver Command in York listening to the planning taking place, I am confident that North Yorkshire Police and all the other responsible authorities are doing everything they can to mitigate the risks.
Earlier today, the Prime Minister also made it clear to us that we have the support of the Army and other national resources to help local emergency services at this critical time. Given that the situation is constantly changing, I am as confident as can be that everything that needs to be done is being done.
This includes responding to people’s immediate needs – especially the vulnerable – but also a great detail of planning for new situations should the rivers increase their levels significantly. The next few hours will be critical. In the meantime, I’d like to thank everyone for working so hard to protect people, including many volunteers.
My heart also goes out to those already effected. It may be of little comfort in some circumstances, but please be reassured that the emergency services and others are doing all they can to help keep you safe.
The latest flood warning information can be access here https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/map
You can also follow @EnvAgencyYNE and #floodaware on Twitter for the latest updates. Or call Floodline on 0345 9881188.
Keep up to date with the weather forecast and weather warnings at www.metoffice.gov.uk
