Ouse on flood watch as water rises

A flood alert has been issued for the tidal reaches of the River Ouse following heavy rainfall.

Environment Agency officers triggered the alert shortly after 8 o'clock this morning as water on the river continues to rise.

Measurements, taken at around 8am this morning, showed the river stood at 1.8m upstream of the weir at Naburn. Levels of upto 6.5m have been recorded downstream.

Levels are forecast to rise during Thursday with EA officials continuing to monitor the situation throughout the day.

A 'flood alert' is the lowest level of alerts issued by the agency and means flooding is possible and residents should be prepared. The higher level alerts are 'flood warning' (flooding expected) and 'severe flood warning' (severe flooding exected).

There are no alerts on the River Wharfe at Tadcaster at this time.