Residents in York were today fighting to keep out flood water after the River Ouse burst its banks.

The Environment Agency said the river was expected to rise 4.6 metres (15ft) above normal levels and warned businesses and homes could be severely affected.

Heavy rain over the past 48 hours has caused further flooding in the Naeburn area and parts of York city centre.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: "The River Ouse in York is expected to peak sometime mid-afternoon today when we expect the river to rise around to 4.6 metres above its normal level."

Two severe flood warnings for the River Wharfe in West Yorkshire have been downgraded to flood watch.

Homeowners around Tadcaster last night were joined by Environment Agency workmen in sandbagging properties after experts predicted further flooding.

A total of 49 other flood warnings were also issued across West and North Yorkshire, including areas surrounding the rivers Aire, Calder, Ouse, Swale, Ure and Worth.

A spokeswoman for the agency said the River Wharfe had risen to about three metres (9.8ft) above its normal level in the Ilkley and Otley areas.

West Yorkshire Police warned motorists to avoid several roads in the region, including parts of the A658, A660 and A656 which had been closed due to floods earlier today. Although further rain was expected tomorrow, weather forecasters predicted a "much improved" outlook for the rest of the week.

A PA WeatherCentre spokesman added: "There will be some patchy rain tomorrow but it will be pushing down south.

"From Tuesday it will be much drier and brighter as high pressure moves in."