The worst recent floods in York were in 2000

On Sunday afternoon about 3,000 homes in the region remained without electricity after Friday night's gales.

Unprotected areas of York were on flood alert on Sunday as the River Ouse was expected to continue rising.

The York Flood Group met on Sunday morning to discuss the situation and defences are being put in place.

Water peak

Skeldergate in York, has been closed due to flooding and St George's Field and Esplanade car parks have been shut until water levels recede.

The Environment Agency said the river in York was expected to peak at noon on Sunday, with levels anticipated to reach 4.5m above normal summer levels.

Clifton Ings storage facility is now in operation in an attempt to drain excess water and it is thought this could reduce peak levels to 4.3m.

Undefended areas between Ouse Bridge in York and Acaster Lane in Bishopthorpe are on the highest alert.

Properties in Terry Avenue, Queens Staith Road, Kings Street, Tower Place, Friars Terrace, Lower Friargate, Cumberland Street and Grange Garth are at risk.

Acaster Lane between Bishopthorpe and Acaster Malbis is also expected to be affected by flooding.

Motorists could also experience flooding on the A19 at Fulford South, although the carriageway would remain open.

Water levels are now receding in Ripon, Masham and Boroughbridge after some overnight flooding to roads and riverside properties.