Storm Christoph Leeds: Barnsdale Road closed as River Aire floods Allerton Ings

A busy road has been closed after the River Aire flooded, with the Environment Agency warning that river levels are continuing to rise.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

It comes as an amber weather warning for rain was put in place by the Met Office as Storm Christoph looks set to batter the city.

Barnsdale Road, in the east Leeds village of Allerton Bywater, near Castelford, has closed due to the flooding.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The video shows cars struggling to drive though the high flood water.

Barnsdale Road, in Allerton Bywater, has closed due to the flooding.Barnsdale Road, in Allerton Bywater, has closed due to the flooding.
Barnsdale Road, in Allerton Bywater, has closed due to the flooding.

The Environment Agency said the spillway at Allerton Ings is operating but the washlands are filling.

It expects the spillway to continue until Thursday, January 21.

The Government agency said: "River levels are rising as a result of the heavy and persistent rainfall associated with Storm Christoph. Barnsdale Road has flooded.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We expect the spillway to continue to operate until Thursday lunchtime. We are closely monitoring the situation.

"Please avoid using low-lying footpaths and roads near watercourses, and plan driving routes to avoid low-lying land that may be flooded."

Other parts of Leeds began flooding earlier in the day, with flood alerts in place across the city.

There is a flood alert in force currently for the lower River Wharfe area with flooding of low-lying land and roads possible.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The river has already begun to overflow into a children's playground and a skate park in Otley in Wharfemeadows Park on Farnley Lane.

Pictures, taken at around 8:30am, show the water flooding into the parks from the river.

Local resident Karen Weir lives a two minute walk from the river up a slight hill, so is hoping her home should be safe.

She added: "Luckily we don't flood up the hill on Prince Henry Road but people below the hill on Farnley Lane and Bridge Avenue often do.

"They are quite well prepared though these days.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"There is an Otley Flood Team but they can't go out due to lockdown so builders have provided sand bags for people who need them.

"There's a good community here in Otley and people rally round to help each other."

What to expect in Leeds, according to the Met Office:

Homes and businesses are likely to be flooded, causing damage to some buildings

Fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Delays and some cancellations to train and bus services are likely

Spray and flooding probably leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures

A good chance some communities cut off by flooded roads

Power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses likely