FLOOD warnings are in force in North Yorkshire as the Environment Agency continues to monitor high river levels.

Up to 80mm of rain fell in the past 24 hours over the Pennines and North York Moors, resulting in high water levels in rivers including the Ouse, Esk, Ure, Swale, Nidd, Wharfe, Derwent, Rye, Seven, Pickering Beck and Brompton Beck.

In York, the Ouse is predicted to peak in the early hours of Tuesday morning at 4.5m above normal summer levels. This is among the 10 highest water levels in recent years. By comparison, the Ouse reached 5.4m above normal summer levels during the floods of autumn 2000.

“We are seeing river levels across North Yorkshire start to drop,” said Colin Atkinson, flood incident management team leader at the Environment Agency.

“We do not anticipate any major problems as the water continues downstream.

“However, I would encourage people in a flood risk area to check whether their home or business is eligible for our free Floodline Warnings Direct service. To find out more, call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or visit the website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk”

Defences are operating in York, Selby, Malton, Boroughbridge and Stamford Bridge and pumps have been deployed in locations including Boroughbridge.

Patrols have been out to inspect the extend of flooding in Pickering and Sinnington, Thirsk, Ripon, Knaresborough, Northallerton, Tadcaster and Cawood.