(Image: Kevin Glenton)
A flood alert is in place for parts of central York close to as river levels rose high following recent rain linked to Storm Boelo.
The Environment Agency (EA) issued a notice for the Upper River Ouse in the city last night (October 25) which has carried on into this morning.
The government agency said high river levels may lead to flooding.
A chilly start to Monday in the north with much lighter winds ⛅ Turning unsettled again from the southwest with outbreaks of rain, heavy at times with winds strengthening 🌧️ https://t.co/GxnqiwXbIA
— Met Office (@metoffice) October 25, 2026
Areas most affected are riverside footpaths, roads near rivers and low-lying land.
The agency said affected areas include King's Staith, Queen's Staith and South Esplanade in the city centre and reach as far south as Naburn Lock.
Areas of South Esplanade at junction with Lower Friargate close to the jetty had water lapping over them, according to an eyewitness.
Met Office forecasts in York today are for more gusts of wind and an 80 per cent chance of rain, especially until lunchtime.
Temperatures are expected to get into double figures this afternoon.
At the Viking Recorder in North Street Gardens, the River Ouse level, measured at 8.15am this morning, stood at 2.33 metres and rising, above its normal range of 1.9 metres.
It is expected to peak this morning.
The EA says flooding to low-lying land is possible above 2.20 metres.
A flood alert - meaning flooding is possible - is usually issued between two and 12 hours before flooding, the EA said.
Residents are urged to regularly check warnings for their area and follow official advice.
At the Foss Barrier close to the confluence of the two principal rivers in York, the level at 8.30am was 7.26 metres and rising, towards the top of the normal range of 7.9 metres.
The highest level recorded here was 10.2 metres on November 4, 2000.
The agency's advice in a flood alert - which means flooding is possible - is to avoid walking, cycling or driving through any flood water and highlights other at-risk areas such as fields, recreational land and car parks, minor roads, farmland and coastal areas affected by spray of waves overtopping.
All areas are being assessed by the Environment Agency throughout the day or as the situation changes, it said.