Storm Christoph: Video shows River Calder 'minutes' from bursting its banks as flood warnings issued for the Five Towns

A dramatic video shows the River Calder estimated to be just minutes from bursting its banks this morning, as flood alerts and warnings are issued for large areas of Pontefract, Castleford and Normanton.
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The video, captured by Luke Andrew from Willow Grove Farm, shows high water levels at River Calder.

Mr Andrew, who has suffered flooding in previous years, estimated that the river would burst its banks within an hour, and warned people to keep away from nearby footpaths.

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He said: "We’re out this morning on the river Calder path monitoring the water levels, as you can see they’re extremely high.

The video, captured by Luke Andrew from Willow Grove Farm, shows high water levels at River Calder.The video, captured by Luke Andrew from Willow Grove Farm, shows high water levels at River Calder.
The video, captured by Luke Andrew from Willow Grove Farm, shows high water levels at River Calder.

"Be careful if you’re walking in this area, the water is expected to top the bank within the next hour."

River levels across the district have risen rapidly in recent days, following heavy rain caused by Storm Christoph.

A number of flood alerts and more severe flood warnings have been issued for Wakefield and the Five Towns, with nearby residents urged to pack a bag of essentials and keep a close eye on relevant warnings.

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According to the government's flood information service, the River Calder at Methley has risen to 3.4m, the level at which "minor flooding" is possible in the area.

A number of flood alerts and more severe flood warnings have been issued for Wakefield and the Five Towns, with nearby residents urged to pack a bag of essentials and keep a close eye on relevant warnings. Photo: Gov.ukA number of flood alerts and more severe flood warnings have been issued for Wakefield and the Five Towns, with nearby residents urged to pack a bag of essentials and keep a close eye on relevant warnings. Photo: Gov.uk
A number of flood alerts and more severe flood warnings have been issued for Wakefield and the Five Towns, with nearby residents urged to pack a bag of essentials and keep a close eye on relevant warnings. Photo: Gov.uk

And the river level at the Aire Washlands has also risen sharply, from 9cm on Tuesday morning to 88cm at 9.45am today.

A flood alert issued for Castleford has been upgraded to a flood warning amid rising river levels, meaning flooding is expected in the coming hours and days.

In a warning on the government's flood information service, the Environment Agency said: "River levels are rising as a result of the heavy and persistent rainfall associated with Storm Christophe.

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"The spillway at Allerton Ings is starting to operate and the washlands are beginning to fill. We expect Barnsdale Road to flood.

"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."

Large areas of Knottingley and Normanton, as well as parts of Hemsworth, Ackworth and Featherstone, are also subject to flood alerts, meaning flooding is possible.

People living in affected areas are urged to keep a bag packed with essential items including medications and insurance documents, move valuable items upstairs or to safety and plan to move family, pets and cars to safety.

For more information, or to subscribe for flood alerts, visit the Flood Warning Information Service.