Forecasters warning of more heavy downpours ahead of cold snap

FORECASTERS are predicting more than two inches of rain could fall in the region today, with risks of flooding for the next 48 hours as already swollen rivers struggle to take the strain of the latest downpours.

A weather warning is in place for most of the region through today but a persistent and slow-moving belt of heavy rain is expected to cause particular problems over an area centred on the North York Moors stretching to the coast and into Teesside.

Flood warnings were last night in place on the Ouse in the centre of York which in September saw the second worst flooding in its history. Other warnings were in place on the Nidd, Derwent, Ure, Seven and Esk in North Yorkshire with a host of other flood alerts in other parts of the region.

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The Met Office said up to 70mm (2.4ins) of rain was expected in parts of North Yorkshire and the north east on top of the rain that has already fallen over the last few days “continuing the risk of further flooding and travel disruption”.

Chief forecaster Eddy Carroll said between 30 and 40mm of rain was expected over other parts of northern England and north Wales. “We urge everyone to keep up to date with forecasts and warnings and be prepared for what the weather will bring,” he said.

Paul Mustow, head of flood incident management at the Environment Agency, said: “Our teams are continuing to work around the clock with local emergency services to keep communities safe and to ensure that flood defences operate effectively in what 
are very challenging circumstances.”

Forecasters say that in coming days with no more significant rainfall is expected and drier but colder weather will spread across the country by Wednesday – although it could bring the risk of snow to higher areas towards the East Coast.

Full forecast: Back Page.

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