Several flood alerts and a warning remain active across parts of Yorkshire, the United Kingdom, after weeks of persistent rainfall.
Authorities say one flood warning and four flood alerts are currently in force, with waterlogged ground and already-swollen rivers increasing the likelihood of flooding in some areas.
Meteorologists have linked the situation to a weather pattern that has remained in a “blocked” position for weeks, although a short-lived change is expected before more rain returns.
BBC climate correspondent Paul Hudson, said: “In 70 days since 1 December at Sheffield Weston Park, there’s been nine inches (22cm) of rain, which is 114% of what we’d normally receive, on average.”
He said, “There is no doubt that the weather has been relentlessly overcast and wet for weeks, with weather patterns stuck in a rut.
“The land is now saturated, but, so far, what has prevented any real flooding issues is that much of the rain that has fallen has not been heavy.
“But, until warmer and drier weather arrives in spring, our regions rivers will remain at risk of flooding, should any rainfall in what’s left of winter turn heavier.”
The Environment Agency has urged residents to stay alert as more rainfall is forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday.
A flood warning, meaning flooding is expected, is currently in place for the River Ouse at York.
Flood alerts, which indicate that flooding is possible, have also been issued for sections of the River Went in West Yorkshire and the River Derwent in North Yorkshire.
In Doncaster, councillors in Fishlake, where a flood alert was lifted on Tuesday afternoon, are due to meet to discuss long-term support from the Environment Agency to help prevent future flooding.
The village was severely affected during the 2019 floods when the River Don overflowed its banks.
Wendy Brownbridge, a church warden at St Cuthbert’s in Fishlake, said, “The scary bit is at night when you can’t see anything and it’s throwing it down with rain and you never know what’s happening further up the river at Sheffield.
“How can you prepare for flooding and move your furniture anywhere. You just can’t and it’s about losing everything.”
Ahead of a parish council meeting on Tuesday, Peter Trimmingham, a Fishlake flood warning, added, “We know there won’t be a great injection of finance at this time, but we want an eye on it.
“We are looking carefully at what plans are coming up with the Environment Agency, to see what can be done and what is realistic.”
