RAIN, wind and snow are causing chaos for many as the clean up continues in the wake of Storm Ciara and amid continued weather warnings.

Closed roads reopened as the pressure on the Tees, Swale, Ure and Ouse reduced but four schools were closed in North Yorkshire, including Croft, because of access problems. Dozens of homes and businesses were left cleaning up as the floods receded, in York the River Ouse peaked at more than four metres above normal.

England’s highest pub at Tan Hill was overwhelmed by snow with forecasters warning of icy conditions and another storm at the weekend.

Police have called on drivers to make sure they heed warnings. Superintendent Jason Dickson from North Yorkshire said: “We’re continuing to work closely with other organisations to keep routes as clear as possible and divert motorists if absolutely necessary. If you see a diversion, remember it’s there for your safety. If a road is flooded or closed, please don’t be tempted to chance it, it won’t save you any time and it could be a costly mistake.”

Now there are rising calls for more to be done to improve resilience, defences and insurance issues for victims of the floods. York MP Rachel Maskell has written to the Environment Secretary calling for action with upper catchment management to slow the flow of the rivers a priority She said:.”The Climate Emergency is real. We are increasingly seeing freak weather which is causing flooding. It is vital that the mitigation is fast-tracked so that people feel more secure in their properties.”