Urgent flood warnings for River Wharfe near Otley and Ilkley causing major train delays near Leeds

Police have issued an urgent warning for drivers as heavy rain overnight has caused flooding near Leeds.
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There are two flood warnings and six flood alerts in place for the Leeds area.

The Government's flooding information service has warned that 'immediate action' is required for properties near the River Wharfe at Billams Hill, between Otley and Pool, and at Denton Road in Ilkley.

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Flood levels have risen due to heavy rain on Sunday and have peaked at 1.7m at 7am today.

Residents living near the River Wharfe have been urged to activate any flood protection measures.

The Government's warning said: "Please activate any property flood protection products you may have, such as flood barriers and air brick covers, and stay away from fast moving water.

"Our incident response staff are closely monitoring the forecast. This message will be updated as the situation changes."

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There are six flood alerts in place for the Lower River Calder catchment, Lower River Nidd, Lower River Wharfe, Middle River Aire catchment, Upper River Calder catchment and Upper River Nidd.

The swollen River Wharfe at Otley (Photo: Mike Ashworth)The swollen River Wharfe at Otley (Photo: Mike Ashworth)
The swollen River Wharfe at Otley (Photo: Mike Ashworth)

Residents and businesses in these areas have been warned to avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses, as flooding is possible.

It comes as flooding on the railway line between Skipton and Carlise and Skipton and Lancaster has cause delays to Northern Rail services.

The lines are closed in both directions and Northern is unable to run rail replacement buses.

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A spokesperson for Northern said: "Northern customers advised not to travel after flooding closes the railway between Skipton and Carlisle and Skipton and Lancaster.

"Due to flooding in several locations, train services between Skipton and Carlisle and Skipton and Lancaster are currently cancelled.

"Heavy rain overnight has caused flooding at Melling Tunnel, between Settle and Blea Moor and between Hellifield and Carnforth.

"As a result, both the Skipton and Carlisle and Skipton and Lancaster lines are closed in both directions.

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"Due to road conditions in the area, we are sorry that we are unable to run rail replacement buses and are advising customers not to travel."

First Bus service X84 towards Ilkley and Otley is terminating at Burley-In-Wharfedale and having to divert into Burley via Bradford Road and Burley Road.

Due to Flooding on Ilkley Road, buses towards Leeds are diverting Burley Road and Bradford Road.

West Yorkshire Police have urged drivers never to be aware of flooding on the roads, particularly on the A65 near Ben Rhydding and Burley in Wharfedale.

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The contact management centre tweeted this morning: "First few jobs coming in this morning have been reports of flooding on the A65 in Ben Rhydding/Burley in Wharfedale. Traffic is building up, spread the word.

"Reminder: Please don’t drive through flood water. There are signs out saying Road Closed."

Otley and Yeadon councillor Sandy Lay has warned: "Flooding is possible in Otley and Pool today due to persistent, heavy rain on Sunday.

"Please start to prepare if you are in an affected area."

How is a flood alert and a flood warning different?

There are three different levels of flood warning that are issued when bad weather strikes, including a flood alert, a flood warning, and a severe flood warning.

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The three levels each indicate varying severity, with a flood alert being the lowest.

If a flood alert is issued, this indicates that an area should prepare, including making defences, preparing a bag that includes medicines and insurance documents, and staying up to date with the latest flood alerts.

When a flood warning is issued, this indicates a greater level of severity. In such situations, it is advised you turn off gas, water and electricity, and move your possession upstairs or to safety. Family members, pets and cars should also be moved to safety in these cases.

The third flood warning indicates the highest level of severity. In this situation, it is advised that you call 999 if you are in immediate danger and follow advice from emergency services.

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