Pubs flood and sewage runs in the streets as York is hit with torrential rain

12 January 2023, 12:38

Pubs have been left deep under water and sewage has filled streets after York was hit with heavy rain.

The River Ouse broke its banks by the early hours of Thursday, leading to flash flooding on roads in areas including Hawes.

Ahead of the downpour, the Environment Agency issued flood warnings for the river, which runs through the centre of York.

Locals were warned to ‘act now’ with flooding expected in riverside properties as well as at Naburn Lock, St George's Field and Queen's Staith.

By the time the warning was issued, buildings close to the area had already been swamped, with pubs among those worse affected.

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Roads, footpaths and cycleways were also under water, with North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service receiving calls from motorists stranded in floodwaters after driving past road closed signs.

Raw sewage leaked through drains and into a York street too.

A spokesperson for Yorkshire Water said: "We understand sewer escapes such as this are unpleasant and we will be sending teams to the area to conduct a clean-up, as well as to investigate and resolve the cause of the escape."

Meanwhile, in Wales, roads were submerged and people urged not to drive amid the wet conditions.

Natural Resources Wales issued over 20 flood warnings for along parts of The River Severn, River Vyrnwy and River Teme, and 43 flood alerts, as of Thursday morning.

Rhondda Cynon Taf council urged people to only drive if "absolutely necessary" due to the hazardous driving conditions.

The River Taff burst its banks in Cardiff's Bute Park while continual heavy rainfall and strong winds also caused disruption on public transport.

More wet weather on the way in Met Office forecast

The Met Office previously issued a yellow weather warning for rain until 5pm on Thursday across much of South West England, Wales, Herefordshire and Shropshire.

It said some higher ground areas may get 70-90 mm or more of rain, and that downpours could flood properties and cause power cuts.

Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern said: "With all that wet weather coming in, there are concerns, particularly for those areas that have already seen so much rain across western England and Wales.

"The wettest weather is likely to see 60-80 mm falling across the Brecon Beacons and Exmoor."