People living in Leeds city centre are being told to expect flooding and take "immediate action" as heavy rain brought by Storm Ciara has caused the River Aire to burst its banks.
There are nine in place across Leeds on Sunday, February 9, as the torrential rain causes water levels to rise.
The Environment Agency says "flooding is expected" in Mabgate, Quarry Hill and Neptune Street and it is warning people that "property flooding is possible over the next few hours".
The warning states: "We expect river levels to continue to rise until the early afternoon today, when the rain is forecast to ease into a pattern of showers.
"Please plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded, and avoid contact with flood water."
Follow live Leeds weather and traffic updates as Storm Ciara hits
The Environment Agency is also warning people to expect flooding if they live near:
- The River Aire in Neptune Street, in the city centre
- The River Aire at Kirkstall Forge
- Meanwood Beck at Buslingthorpe and Sheepscar
- Gledhow Beck at Harehills
- Meanwood Beck at Headingley
- Wyke Beck at Dunhills
- The River Aire in Knowsthorpe, Thwaite Gate and Stourton
- Pudsey Beck
The level of the River Aire has reached 1.75 metres in the city centre, near Crown Point Bridge, and it is usually below 1 metre.
The river reached its highest recorded level in that part of the city on Boxing Day in 2015, when the city was devastated by severe flooding.
Storm Ciara has brought torrential rain and winds of up to 78mph to West Yorkshire.
The Met Office has issued an extreme weather warning with guidelines stating that there could even be a "danger to life from flying debris".
West Yorkshire Police is urging people to avoid driving unless their journeys are "absolutely necessary".
London North Eastern Railway (LNER), TransPennine Express and Northern are also advising passengers to avoid travelling today, as they have been force to close flood lines, run reduced timetables and implement speed restrictions.
