The York Flood Group met at 8am today (Friday, 12 January) following the Environment Agency's prediction that the River Ouse was expected to rise around 4.4m above normal summer levels.

Following the information a number of temporary defence works (mainly sand bag defences) have been put in place. Defences are designed to cope with the full predicted increase in the river level.

The river level reached 4.28m at 8am this morning (measured at the Viking Recorder). Water levels are anticipated to reach a peak of 4.4m above normal summer levels at around early afternoon today (Friday, 12 January).

The Environment Agency is monitoring the situation.

The effect of the flooding will be that Skeldergate is closed, as is St George's Field Car Park. The A19 between Fordlands Road and Landing Lane in Fulford remains open at present. The situation will be monitored and motorists will be advised of any closure (may occur early afternoon).

City of York Council staff have sandbagged riverside streets such as Peckitt Street and Tower Gardens as well as erecting defences in Clementhorpe. There are also road closures in Naburn and Poppleton.

For further information the Environment Agency Floodline number is 0845 988 1188.