Flood alert in place in Leeds along River Aire due to rain and melting snow

It comes after the heavy snowfall seen on Thursday, January 14, which caused buses to become stuck and council services, such as bin collections, to be cancelled.

As of Saturday, January 16 at 6.45pm, a flood alert is in place in the Middle River Aire catchment area.

This means flooding is possible and residents are advised to be prepared.

The 'Middle Aire Catchment area' refers to areas along the River Aire extending from Rodley in the west of the city, in towards the city centre and then out towards Woodlesford in the east of the city, in the direction of Castleford.

The Enviroment Agency said: "River levels have steadily risen as a result of this morning's rainfall combined with melting snow.

"Consequently, flooding of low lying land, roads and farmland is possible today.

"Areas most at risk are low lying land and roads.

"No further significant rainfall is expected today or tomorrow, however steady thawing of lying snow is likely to mean rivers will continue to rise this evening and peak around midnight, before falling again tomorrow (January 17).

"Our incident response staff are closely monitoring the forecast.

"Please stay away from low lying roads, which may be flooded, and be aware of ice and standing water which may make driving conditions hazardous."