The nine areas of Leeds now at risk of flooding as River Aire and River Wharfe swell

Three flood alerts are in place across Leeds with nine areas of the city identified as at risk of flooding.
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The alerts have been issued for the River Middle Aire catchment, which runs through Leeds, the Lower River Wharfe through north Leeds and Wyke Beck, Meanwood Beck and Wortley Beck.

The Environment Agency is monitoring river levels as further rainfall is forecast on Wednesday.

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The following areas have risen over the flooding threshold which means flooding is possible:

The River Aire at Kirkstall, pictured on Tuesday after heavy rainfall, has been identified as at risk of floodingThe River Aire at Kirkstall, pictured on Tuesday after heavy rainfall, has been identified as at risk of flooding
The River Aire at Kirkstall, pictured on Tuesday after heavy rainfall, has been identified as at risk of flooding

- River Aire at Kirkstall Abbey

- River Aire at Leeds Crown Point

- River Aire at Holbeck

- Wyke Beck

Nine areas across Leeds are at risk of flooding - indicated in orange (Photo: Gov.uk)Nine areas across Leeds are at risk of flooding - indicated in orange (Photo: Gov.uk)
Nine areas across Leeds are at risk of flooding - indicated in orange (Photo: Gov.uk)

- River Aire at Knostrop Weir

- Aire Washlands at Oulton St Aidans

- River Wharfe at Arthington

- River Wharfe at Collingham

- River Wharfe at Pool Bridge

An urgent flood warning has been issued for Collingham, with residents urged to take 'immediate action'.

Areas most at risk are at the lower end of Collingham Beck near the River Wharfe.

Residents are advised to immediately turn off their gas, water and electricity.

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They should move belongings, family and pets upstairs or to safety and move their car to a safe place.

Parts of the UK could see two months’ worth of average rainfall in just two-and-a-half days as Storm Christoph moves in.

The Met Office’s most serious weather warning – amber for rain – has been in place across Leeds since Tuesday morning.

Simon Partridge, a Met Office forecaster, explained: “It’s not a traditional sort of storm, it’s going to be windy but it’s not based on the wind strength at all, it’s really down to the disruption that’s being caused by rain."

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Mr Partridge said the storm meant that some areas could see double the average amount of monthly rainfall over a few days.

He said: “Those areas that have seen between 50mm and 70mm already, the warning is out until midday on Thursday, so an extremely long period, but by then we could see up to 150mm to possibly 200mm of rainfall."

The storm has caused concern for people living in areas devastated by the floods at the end of 2019, who say they are preparing for the worst to happen again.

However, residents of Fishlake, South Yorkshire – which was cut off by the floodwaters just over a year ago, said they are much better prepared this time with many having sandbags dropped outside their properties on Tuesday.

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As of 5am, the Environment Agency has issued 37 flood warnings and 167 less serious flood alerts across England.

A major incident was declared in both Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire ahead of the expected heavy rainfall.

North Yorkshire County Council said more than 15,000 sandbags were at the ready around the county.

Meanwhile, Public Health England (PHE) issued a cold weather alert from “first thing” on Thursday until 9am on January 25 for the North East, North West and Yorkshire and the Humber.

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The agency said the risk of flooding will amplify the public health risks of the severe cold weather.

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