River Wharfe flooding hits Wetherby leaving vehicles stranded in car park

Cars have been left stranded in a Wetherby car park as River Wharfe floodwaters spread across the area.

These photos show the devastating flooding as it hit Wetherby earlier today (Saturday February 22).

Drivers were warned to move their vehicles on social media around 2.30pm.

The New Inn Wetherby posted on its Facebook page: "Anyone who has parked in the Wilderness Car Park (where the bandstand is), the Sports Association Car Park or elsewhere near the river might want to move them ASAP as the river is rapidly flooding."

The bandstand in Wetherby was quickly surrounded by water (Alan Ashbee)

Floodwaters rose quickly at the car park (Alan Ashbee)

Residents saw the water rise as cars remained parked (Alan Ashbee)

The Wilderness Car Park - beside the river - was quickly inundated with water, and the bandstand was left as a water feature for the ducks to swim around.

These images were taken by Alan Ashbee, member of the Facebook group Wetherby Grumbler.

Alan said: "Wetherby car park is flooded. This happens every time the river gets above 3.5m."

The Wilderness Car Park is situated near the River Wharfe (Google)

A flood alert is in place for the Lower River Wharfe at Wetherby, with the Environment Agency saying "around Collingham and Wetherby where we expect the levels to peak Saturday afternoon and evening".

They advise: "Please avoid using low-lying roads and footpaths close to watercourses as river levels can rise quickly with little warning."

As reported on our live blog, roads have been left impassable in nearby Otley as the Wharfe burst its banks, with one resident saying the flooding was 'worse than it's ever been' after the river burst its banks.

Leeds City Council posted on Twitter: "If you do need to go out wrap up warm and stay safe. More of the same bad weather on the way unfortunately tomorrow and Monday."

Otley resident Chris Canning said: “The river was so full and gushing fast. Where the weir is has completely disappeared with the flow of the water all at one dangerous level. The only bridge with access to Otley Town is water-logged and even 4x4s were being told to turn around.

“So much for the supposed water defences that were supposed to be put in place since the high flood of Boxing Day 2015. The nearest shops are at Harrogate, 16 miles away over the back roads into North Yorkshire.”