Homes evacuated and road closed as river Aire bursts its banks at Snaith

The A1041 is closed in both directions at Snaith

Humberside Police are asking drivers to avoid the area.

The A1041 north of Snaith has been closed in both directions.

The force tweeted: "We are in attendance to a river that has burst its banks on Main Road, Snaith, near to Selby Road.

The flood catchment area alongside the River Aire further upstream near Skipton three days ago

"Officers, as well as other emergency services are aware, and road closures in the area will have to be made. Drivers are advised to avoid the area."

A spokesman for Humberside Fire and Rescue said they believed as many as 20 properties had been flooded.

He said that number may go up with high tide expected at 10pm tonight.

On Tuesday morning the Environment Agency issued flood warnings for the area, saying Monday's prolonged heavy rainfall had caused river levels to rise.

Flooding in Snaith, East Yorkshire, where homes have been evacuated after the River Aire burst its banks. Credit: Lucy Sheridan/PA

Snaith and Cowick town council clerk Vicky Whiteley said the water had flooded Snaith Ings, which is supposed to flood when there is excess water.

She said: "It's a multi-agency approach, with Humberside Police, Humberside Fire and Rescue, the Environment Agency, East Riding Council and the town council.

"Basically we are knocking on the doors of those who may be affected."

It comes as flood defences at Cawood are being strengthened, in response to expected rising water levels on the River Ouse.

The scene in Snaith today after flooding from the River Aire Picture: Humberside Fire and Rescue

The Environment Agency, North Yorkshire County Council and Selby District Council are working together to increase the height of defences as a precaution.

North Yorkshire police are also setting up a community support station in the car park of the Jolly Sailor pub in the village to help anyone concerned about possible flooding.

The work is being coordinated by the North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum, which brings together lots of different organisations that support flood protection and relief work.

Chair of the North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum and Chief Executive of North Yorkshire County Council, Richard Flinton, explained, “This is just an added precaution at this stage, as we expect water levels to remain below the height of flood defences. However, it’s important that we’re prepared and help to protect homes and businesses.

At least five properties have been flooded Picture: Humberside Fire and Rescue

“Lots of different organisations are working together on this to make sure we can focus our efforts of supporting those most in need.

“We know that many parts of North Yorkshire are affected – particularly in the Selby district – and we’re continuing to monitor river levels across the county.”