Storm Isha: Flood alerts as river levels expected to rise

Weather warnings - including an amber warning for wind - are in place in the district and the Met Office is warning: "A spell of very strong, perhaps damaging, winds associated with Storm Isha is likely to bring disruption to transport and infrastructure."

The flood alerts currently in place 

 Upper River Wharfe

The Environment Agency says: "This alert has been issued as river levels are expected to rise on the River Wharfe due to rainfall associated with Storm Isha.

1/2; Storm Isha has arrived bringing with it gales and heavy rain 🌧️🍃.

Flood alerts have been issued for upper and middle River Aire with flood warnings are likely to be issued overnight. @EnvAgencyYNE expecting heaviest rain from 9pm onwards.

— Bradford Council (@bradfordmdc) January 21, 2024

"Flooding is forecast to affect locations near the River Wharfe, with low-lying land expected to be most affected, particularly low-lying agricultural land and possibly minor roads in the valley floor, including Buckden, Bolton Abbey and Ilkley.

"Rainfall is forecast on Sunday and overnight into Monday.

"Please avoid using low-lying footpaths near local watercourses and do not walk or drive through floodwater. Please consider putting your flood plan into action.

"We are continuing to monitor the situation."

Flood alert area: Low-lying agricultural land and possibly minor roads in the valley floor, including Buckden, Bolton Abbey, and Ilkley.

Upper River Aire

"River levels will rise on the River Aire, Eller Beck and Waller Hill Beck due to heavy rainfall today.

"Areas most at risk include the River Aire from Gargrave to Stockbridge, including Eshton Beck, Eller Beck, and Silsden Beck.

"Further rainfall is forecast throughout the evening and overnight into Monday.

"River levels are expected to remain high tomorrow morning. We will continue to monitor levels closely.

"Avoid using low-lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses, and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water."

Flood alert area: River Aire from Gargrave to Stockbridge, including Eshton Beck, Eller Beck and Silsden Beck.

Lower River Wharfe

"This alert has been issued as river levels are expected to rise on the River Wharfe due to rainfall associated with Storm Isha.

"Flooding is forecast to affect locations near the River Wharfe, with low lying land expected to be most affected, particularly around the Lower River Wharfe and tributaries from Otley to upstream of Ulleskelf.

"Rainfall is forecast on Sunday and overnight into Monday.

"Please avoid using low-lying footpaths near local watercourses and do not walk or drive through floodwater.

"Please consider putting your flood plan into action. We are continuing to monitor the situation."

Flood alert area: The Lower River Wharfe and tributaries from Otley to upstream of Ulleskelf.

Middle River Aire

"River levels are rising on the River Aire due to heavy rainfall today. 

"Areas most at risk include the River Aire from Stockbridge to Castleford, including Bradford Beck, Oulton Beck and Kippax Beck.

"Further rainfall is forecast overnight and river levels are expected to remain high tomorrow.

"We will continue to monitor levels closely.

Avoid using low-lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses, and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water."

Flood alert area: River Aire from Stockbridge to Castleford, including Bradford Beck, Oulton Beck and Kippax Beck.