Flood Alert Issued for Upper River Ouse Affecting York and North Yorkshire

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for the Upper River Ouse area. This level 3 severity alert was officially raised at 9:03 AM on Sunday, February 15, 2026, in response to rising river levels that may lead to flooding in the region.

Affected Areas

The alert covers geographic regions within North Yorkshire and the City of York. Specific waterways identified in the alert include the River Ouse, Burdyke, Holgate Beck, Blue Beck, River Foss, and The Fleet. Locations most likely to be affected include riverside footpaths and low-lying land in York, extending south as far as Naburn Lock. Specific high-risk areas mentioned include Kings Staith, Queens Staith, and South Esplanade.

What You Should Do

Residents and visitors in the affected areas are advised to take care and avoid walking, cycling, or driving through flood water. The Environment Agency is actively monitoring the situation, which includes the closing of floodgates and the operation of the Foss Barrier to mitigate impact.

Expected Conditions

High river levels are expected throughout Sunday, February 15, 2026. These conditions make flooding possible, particularly for pedestrian paths and land situated at lower elevations near the riverbanks.

Timeline

The alert is currently in effect as of Sunday morning. Officials have stated that this message will be updated by 9:00 PM on February 15, 2026, or sooner if the situation changes significantly.