FLOOD alerts are in place for parts of the Bradford district today, with people urged to "be prepared" after river levels rose following "persistent and heavy rainfall".

A flood alert has been issued for the 'Middle River Aire catchment' (see second picture), with "low-lying land and roads" the most at risk, according to gov.uk.

In some parts of Bingley, the situation is "getting really bad", according to one West Yorkshire Police special constable.

Cath Gillimore tweeted a photo of Lee Lane, Cottingley showing a flooded road, while photos from Denholme - where Long Causeway has been blocked due to the water - and Pudsey also seem to paint a worrying picture.

Flood warnings were put in place for 'Tyersal and Pudsey Beck at Pudsey', where "flooding is expected" for properties south of Pudsey along Tyersal Beck and Pudsey Beck, where "immediate action is required", gov.uk says.

For gov.uk's advice on how to plan ahead for flooding, see here, while for advice on what to do in a flood, click this link.

In Cleckheaton, Kirklees Council has crews out delivering sandbags to local residents, with the council preparing for the River Spen to burst its banks.

"Flooding of property, roads and farmland" is possible in the River Spen and Batley Beck catchment areas, with similar warnings issued for the Wyke Beck, Meanwood Beck and Wortley Beck catchments in Leeds.

The gov.uk website adds: "Further rainfall is forecast over the next 12 hours. We are closely monitoring the situation.

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

"We are closely monitoring the situation and our operational staff have been out checking flood defenses and clearing screens of debris."

Further information, as well as flood alerts and warnings across West Yorkshire and nationally, can be seen here.

The Environment Agency for Yorkshire & North East encouraged people to check their "flood risk".

The Met Office has also issued yellow weather warnings for snow, ice and rain in Bradford over the coming days.

It is reported that the district will get five successive days of light snow showers from today, with 'heavy snow' forecast for 6pm.