SEVERAL people were rescued from floodwater at the weekend – but rain forecast for the coming week is unlikely to cause further flooding.
A woman had to be rescued from the bonnet of her car in Naburn, near the Designer Outlet in York, on Saturday when she drove into floodwater in Howden Lane at about 6.30pm.
She climbed on to the bonnet and was rescued by fire crews using an extendable ladder as a bridge. The road was then closed and flood warning signs put up.
Earlier in the day, a man became stranded after driving into 4ft of flood water on a road near Linton-on-Ouse, near York.
Swift water rescue teams from Ripon and Selby were sent, but the driver freed himself before they arrived.
The incident prompted police to re-issue a warning to pay heed to road and bridge closure signs.
North Yorkshire Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Iain Spittal said: “The last thing I want to happen after the efforts of all the agencies who have worked tirelessly to keep everyone safe this week is for someone to lose their life after ignoring a road or bridge closed sign.
“Staff from North Yorkshire County Council and the City of York Council are working throughout the weekend to get roads open as quickly as possible.
“Engineers also need to check bridges to ensure they are structurally sound.
“So if you see a bridge closed sign, even if it looks clear, it may not be safe.
“Please wait until the bridge has been given the allclear by engineers and has been reopened.
“It is simply not worth risking your life or the lives of your rescuers to save a few minutes of journey time.”
Meteorologists say more rain is predicted to hit the North-East and North Yorkshire over the coming days, but not enough to cause flooding.
Farmers currently need dry conditions to sow autumn crops and salvage those already planted.
Work will start today to install a temporary bridge in Scorton, near Catterick Garrison, to replace one which partially collapsed last week.
The Bridge Street crossing, in Boroughbridge, is now open, but Thornton Bridge, near Helperby, remained closed last night, along with eight others in the Thirsk area.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here