Flood warning in city as level of the Ouse rises

AN URGENT flood alert has been issued for York after water levels on the River Ouse rose sharply.

Storm Alex battered the region with heavy rainfall, especially on Saturday.

The warning has been issued “in response to prolonged heavy rainfall upstream in the Dales overnight”, the flood service said yesterday.

The current level of the River Ouse at the Viking Recorder in York is 1.53 metres ( 5ft) and rising.

No further significant rainfall was expected last night, however.

The warning continued: “Our current forecasts indicate that the river will continue to rise slowly during the rest of ( yesterday).

“There are currently no tidal concerns in this area.

“Avoid low lying paths around the river which may be affected by rising levels, particularly in the area around Naburn Lock.

“We are monitoring the situation closely and will update this message... as the situation changes.”

The news came as French authorities deployed about 1,000 firefighters, four military helicopters and troops yesterday to help search for at least eight people still missing in a mountainous south- eastern region after floods killed two people in neighbouring Italy.

Floods washed away houses and destroyed roads and bridges surrounding the city of Nice on the French Riviera after almost a year’s average rainfall fell in less than 12 hours.

Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi said more than 100 homes had been destroyed or severely damaged.

Rescuers were also providing emergency assistance, including food and water, to residents living in isolated villages.

The missing people include two firefighters whose vehicle was carried away by a torrent when a road collapsed south of the village of Saint- MartinVesubie.

Authorities fear more victims as many families could not contact relatives due to mobile phone services being down.