Public urged to 'not take risks' and keep away from flood water and swollen rivers following Storm Dennis

As predicted, rainfall levels across the amber areas in the Pennines in particular were 60-80mm. That water is now filtering through watercourses into streams and rivers and will continue to do so for a number of days.

As a result, the multi-agency response team managing impacts in the county is issuing a strong warning to the public.

Group Manager at North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Lee Smith, said: “There may be a view that because the rain is easing away the problem is over – that’s not the case and the impact of the rainfall will continue to become apparent over the next hours and days.

“We appeal to the public to continue to stay safe and to heed all warning signs and messaging.

“We are grateful to the vast majority of people who have listened to our advice to prepare and take care. However, we now have widespread flooding across a number of roads in the North Yorkshire particularly and it’s vital people don’t take risks.

“I would also like to reiterate the call to people to stay away from rivers and other areas of open water. Many are swollen and that may well get worse. Water may be fast moving and dangerous.”

The response to Storm Dennis in North Yorkshire is being managed via the area’s Local Resilience Forum.

It is led by the County Council but includes North Yorkshire Police, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, The City of York, Richmondshire District Council, Hambleton District Council, Rydale District Council, Scarborough Borough Council, Selby District Council, Craven District Council, Harrogate Borough Council, Northern Power Grid, The Environment Agency and the Met Office and Mountain Rescue teams and the Coast Guard.

Richard Flinton, Chair of York and North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum said: “If you drive into flood water you could be putting your life and the lives of the emergency services who will likely need to rescue you – at risk. Please don’t do it.”