Emergency plans were in place across the Bradford district today with heavy rain expected to present a fresh flood risk.

People across West Yorkshire were being warned of a 40 per cent risk of disruption after the Met Office forecast up to 50mm of rain in heavy localised downpours.

Fire chiefs in Bradford have deployed more officers to parts of the district where there is a high risk of flooding.

Meanwhile, Environment Agency bosses in West Yorkshire have drafted in colleagues from the north-west and north-east to cover for officers who are tackling the ongoing problems in South Yorkshire.

Keith Robinson, Bradford district manager for West Yorkshire fire service, said: "In Bradford we got away with it lightly in the city centre last time, although Shelf took a pounding and there were a few problems in Otley.

"But, this weekend, the weather forecast is for it to dump it on us, so we have got plans in place.

"We will be prepared. The water that's already in the valleys and fields will be a problem because they can't take any more rain.

"If people are in immediate danger, they should call us. If the water has flooded into their home and is getting near electricity sockets, they should call us. If you have got a bit of water in your garden, it's probably not a job for the fire service.

"We would urge people to use a bit of common sense before calling us this weekend."

Sue O'Neil, of the Environment Agency's flood risk management centre for West Yorkshire, said: "The latest forecast from the Met Office says that 50 millimetres of rain is likely to fall in fast-moving heavy showers. It's where they fall that's the problem. We are monitoring it and are watching the radar 24/7 and the river levels. We will be able to react accordingly. Short sharp showers are less predictable than normal weather fronts.

"It's thought they might fall on the west of the Pennines, but that affects us because it's the catchment area for the Rover Aire.

"The showers will move very quickly and could move across to the east.

"At the moment, we are very stretched due to the ongoing problems in South Yorkshire. We have pulled in colleagues from the north-west and north-east and we have been carrying out inspections to make sure blockages are clear.

"We would also like people to report any blockages on rivers because it tends to clog up at bridges or at the entrance to culverts. If we can get all those clear, the water will be out of the way more quickly."

For more information, call the Agency's Floodline on 0845 988 1188.

e-mail: will.kilner @bradford.newsquest.co.uk