Christmas travel misery for many - but York flood risk recedes

The Kings Staith and Skeldergate areas of the city centre were beginning to flood after recent heavy rainfall caused the levels of the River Ouse to rise.

But the Environment Agency said no major issues were expected in the city.

It tweeted: “R Ouse in #York will reach its peak this pm. Levels will be high but no major issues expected. Level may increase later due to today’s rain”

Sarah Tanburn, interim director at City of York Council, said: “Thankfully the Rivers Ouse and Foss haven’t risen to the levels we experienced in 2012.”

The Environment Agency issued a flood alert for the area yesterday, which remained in place this afternoon.

Meanwhile, road crashes and rail incidents have held up people heading off for Christmas.

In North Yorkshire the A64 was closed in both directions between the B1249 (Staxton) and the B1248 (Norton) due to an accident at West Knapton, with the Highways Agency advising drivers to consider seeking alternative routes.

On Britain’s busiest motorway, the M25, a multi-vehicle accident closed two lanes between junction 5 near Otford in Kent and junction 6 near Oxted in Surrey.

Queues built up and there were also hold-ups for drivers after a broken-down lorry led to one lane being closed at the M25’s junction 12 south of Heathrow airport.