The York Flood Group* met at 2pm today (30 November) in response to the Environment Agency's prediction that the River Ouse will rise to approximately 4.5m above normal summer levels tomorrow.

The river level was measured at approximately 3.9m above normal summer levels (measured atOuse Bridge) this morning and is expected to continue to rise throughout the day, peaking at 4.5m at around 7am tomorrow (Tuesday) morning.

Following the information a number of pre-planned, 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.

As a result of the high river levels Rowntree Park and St George's Field Car Park are closed.

City of York Council has erected sandbag defences at Peckitt Street, Tower Gardens and Tower Place. The new access bridge to City Mills Residential Home has also been errected.

The Environment Agency is monitoring the situation. The Environment Agency Floodline number is 0845 988 1188.

Flood facts
*The York Flood Group is convened, in accordance with York's well tried and tested plans, when the river level is predicted to exceed and remain higher than 4.2m above normal summer levels for an extended period or time, or if the Foss Barrier or other defences fail or are breached.