Four flood warnings were in place for North Yorkshire at 11am on Monday, 22 January 2024, North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service said, as Storm Isha brought heavy rain to the county. The service also reported that the Met Office had issued a yellow weather warning for wind across North Yorkshire and the rest of the UK1.
The flood warnings named by the service at that time were1:
| Flood warning area |
|---|
| The River Ouse at York |
| The River Swale at Howe Village and Skipton Bridge |
| The River Ure at Boroughbridge campaign and caravanning site |
| The River Ure at Masham |
Several flood alerts were also in place, the service said1. It reported that the winds were likely to bring some disruption to travel and utilities across the UK, that some damage to buildings was possible, such as tiles blown from roofs, and that power cuts could occur with the potential to affect other services such as mobile phone coverage. Some roads and bridges might close, and road, rail, air and ferry services might be affected with longer journey times and cancellations possible1.
On the coast, the service said large waves and beach material thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and paths might cause obstructions or danger to life1.
"Being outside in high winds makes your more vulnerable to injury, where possible, stay indoors."
The service advised households to check for loose items outside the home and plan how to secure them in high winds, naming bins, plant pots, garden furniture, trampolines (turn upside down or secure with tent pegs) and sheds (ensure doors are locked)1. For journeys, it advised planning routes and checking for delays and road closures, listening for travel updates on the car radio, packing warm clothing, food, drink, a blanket and a torch, and taking a fully charged mobile phone with an in-car charger or battery pack1. It said driving in strong winds can be extremely dangerous and that additional time and care should be taken, advising drivers to slow down, allow for high-sided vehicles and caravans, grip the steering wheel firmly and give cyclists, motorcyclists, lorries and buses more room than usual1. Near the coast it advised checking local tide forecasts, being aware of large waves even from the shore, taking extra care near cliffs and keeping dogs on a lead, and calling 999 and asking for the coastguard in a coastal emergency1.
On flooding, the service said flooding is extremely dangerous and can happen very quickly, and advised checking whether a property is at risk, signing up for free flood warnings and preparing a flood plan and emergency flood kit1. It said it is always best to stay indoors during periods of heavy rain unless the property is flooded, and that it is safer not to drive in these conditions; where driving is necessary it advised slowing down, using main roads and dipped headlights, allowing more time to react on slippery surfaces, keeping a bigger gap between vehicles and not driving through floodwater, as even the smallest amount can damage a vehicle or cause it to move1.
Why it matters for households
Households in the four named warning areas, and others covered by the flood alerts, face possible flooding from rivers during and after Storm Isha's rain. The wind warning covers the whole of the UK, with possible power cuts affecting mobile phone coverage, travel disruption and road and bridge closures1. The fire service's advice covers securing loose outdoor items, preparing for journeys, staying indoors in high winds and heavy rain, and preparing a flood plan and flood kit1. The service also points households to the government's long-term flood risk check and free flood warning sign-up, and to The Flood Hub for flooding information1. The flood warnings guide explains the difference between alerts, warnings and severe warnings, and the checklist for when a flood warning is issued and what to do during a flood at home cover preparation and the period of flooding. Households can sign up for free flood warnings and check their home's flood risk by postcode. The storms and snow hub covers wind and winter weather, and the flooding hub covers the wider subject.
What happens next
No further timetable has been reported. The service's list of warnings reflects the position at 11am on 22 January 2024, and it directed readers to the government's flood alerts and warnings service for current information on North Yorkshire1.
Sources (1)
- Keeping safe during high-winds and heavy rain - North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, northyorksfire.gov.uk
Flood Alerts and Flood Warnings
Flood Warning Checklist
