Floods and driving rain caused chaos and confusion on the roads this morning with seven roads closed and others only passable with care across North Yorkshire.

The main A684 road between Northallerton and the A1 and the Dales was closed for the second time in a month as the river Swale overflowed. 

North Yorkshire Council listed the road as closed but there were no 'road closed' signs and some drivers were trying to get through. At one point there was a broken down vehicle in the middle of the road with a rescue truck trying to get it out and lorries and cars trying to get round. 

"It's absolute chaos," said one driver. "There is a flood sign but no road closed sign so people don't know what to do and are trying to get through."

By late morning seven roads had been closed by North Yorkshire highways:

  • A684 between Morton and Scruton crossroads;
  • Aldborough St John to Melsonby;
  • Burnt Acres Road Hawes;
  • Hardraw to A684;
  • A684 Appersett towards Moorcock;
  • A684 Aysgarth to Worton;
  • Moor Road, Leyburn, Washford Farm.

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The A684 at Akebar and Wensley Bridge was only passable with care and the A6136, the White Shops at Catterick Garrison were also only passable with care.

Power had also been affected with large areas of Hawes cut off overnight.

The Met Office has issued flood alerts for the River Tees, River Wiske, River Swale, River Nidd and the Ouse and Ure.