
Thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes in York after flood gates protecting the historic city were deliberately opened by the Environment Agency - sending raging torrents through the streets.

The authority took to the decision to open the Foss Barrier - a flood defence which protects the city - amid fears water had got inside the main building, putting pumps in danger of suffering electrical failure.

It was feared that if the electrics stopped working, the Environment Agency would not have been able to pump floodwater out of the town – potentially putting even more lives at risk.

There were also fears the flood barrier could have become stuck in the 'down' position, which would have made it impossible to discharge excess water into the River Ouse.

It means the gates were lifted last night prompting Army personnel and mountain rescue teams to evacuate thousands of people from their flood-hit homes, with up to 3,500 properties now at risk of further flooding.

While York is among one of the worst-hit areas in the latest wave of flooding to reach northern England, communities across Leeds, Greater Manchester, Cumbria and Lancashire are also suffering.

More than 7,500 homes in Greater Manchester and Lancashire are without power today, and some properties are expected to be without electricity until tomorrow. Engineers have restored power to around 14,500 homes in Rochdale alone, but almost 6,000 more remain without electricity.

Residents have now been asked to switch off their Christmas lights and not use household appliances to conserve power and help the network cope with the power demands.

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Widespread disruption: Dramatic aerial photographs of York city centre today show the large scale of flooding which has hit Yorkshire over the last 24 hours, with rising floodwater engulfing properties and vehicles and leading to the evacuation of some 4,000 stranded residents

The morning after: Following intense downpours yesterday which led to rivers bursting their banks across York, hundreds of homes today remain submerged in floodwater (pictured) and residents continue to be evacuated as the city comes to terms with widespread flooding

Rescue missions: Mountain rescue teams could be seen going door-to-door by boat today (pictured centre) as they evacuated homes which were left submerged in floodwater in York. It came after around six-and-a-half inches of rain fell across the Yorkshire region

Roads like rivers: Children's parks, family homes and vehicles all fell victim to the flooding across York city centre today (pictured above)

Where has the road gone? Murky floodwater completely covered part of the main road through York today after the city was hit by rainfall

'Unprecedented': Flooding reached unexpected proportions in York today as David Cameron vowed to do 'all that was needed' to help

Underwater: Dozens of homes were submerged in floodwater in York this morning, as shown by these incredible aerial photographs

Rescue operation: The Army and mountain rescue teams were among those called in to help evacuate residents in York city centre today

Scale of damage: Environment Secretary Liz Truss said the rain had been 'unprecedented' and said flood defences will now be reviewed

Floodwater: Rising water was seen lapping the front doors of several properties in York today as residents were evacuated from homes

Unbelievable scenes: Residents can be seen stood at the floodwater's edge as they evaluate the extent of the damage and devastation

‹ Slide me › Before and after: These incredible photographs show the widespread flooding in the Calder Valley town of Mytholmroyd, West Yorkshire, (left) yesterday after the River Calder burst its banks compared to the scene today after the floodwaters finally receded (shown right)

While 40 generators have been sent out across the region and staff from Electricity North West work to repair damaged substations, around 300 homes have lost power in the last few hours due to demands on the network.

Mark Williamson, operations director for Electricity North West, said: 'Our engineers have worked through the night and will continue to work today in extremely difficult conditions to restore power to the remaining 7,800 customers in Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

'We are asking our customers in Rochdale to reduce their energy use to prevent further power outages while our engineers repair the damage. Simple things like turning off your Christmas lights or not using your washing machine or dishwasher for a while would make a huge difference.

'We are doing everything we possibly can to access our substations, assess the damage caused by severe flooding and restore supplies.

'I'd like to thank customers for their understanding and their goodwill to our teams during what continues to be an enormously challenging time for everyone involved. We are immensely proud of the area and the people we serve in the way they have dealt with this incident.'

The company is sending out food vans to provide hot food for customers who have been left without electricity, with vans due to visit Radcliffe, Padiham, Rochdale and Bury this afternoon.

It comes after Prime Minister David Cameron promised to send more troops to 'do whatever is needed' to help those who are suffering, while the Government vowed to review flood defences.

Following a conference call of the Government's emergency Cobra committee this morning, Mr Cameron offered his sympathy to those affected.

He said: 'I've just chaired a Cobra meeting on the unprecedented flooding. Huge thanks to the emergency services and military for doing so much.

'Also my sympathy for those affected at this time of year. More troops are being deployed as part of a plan to do whatever is needed.'

Later on, he told the BBC: 'Whenever these things happen, you should look at what you've spent, look at what you've built, look at what you're planning to spend, look at what you're planning to build, and ask whether it's in the right places, whether it's enough, whether we're doing everything we can to try and help.

'The flood barriers have made a difference - both the permanent ones and the temporary ones - but it's clear in some cases they've been over-topped, they've been overrun, and so of course we should look again at whether there's more we should do.'

News of the flooding also reached space, with British astronaut Major Tim Peake passing over the UK earlier today in the International Space Station.

Sending his condolences to those affected by the bad weather back on Earth, he tweeted: 'Passed over UK today - thoughts are with all those affected by flooding in northern England.'

The widespread flooding is the result of 'unprecedented' heavy rain across northern England, which has caused every river in Lancashire to reach a higher level than ever before.

Dozens of severe flood warnings remain in place in Yorkshire and the north east today, and more than 30 roads have also been closed in York alone due to the danger posed by the floods.

Hold on tight! A little girl smiles as she is rescued with her uncle from an upstairs window of a property in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire

Chaotic scenes across the north: A man sits on his bicycle looking at flooded roads near Foss Island after the River Foss flooded in York (left), while a mountain rescue team help a young girl from the upstairs window of a flooded property in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire (right)

Sifting through the deluge: A man tries to sweep floodwater and debris from his restaurant in York after it was besieged by heavy flooding

More like a river: Members of the emergency services paddle down Huntington Road in York after the adjacent River Foss burst its banks

Do you need help? A member of the emergency services talks to a resident who faces flooding after the River Foss burst its banks in York

Minimising the damage: A man carries a beer keg through floodwater outside the Red Lion pub in York after it fell victim to the flooding

Precautionary measures: One man appeared to be dry as his he fought off the flooding from his home with sandbags (left). Meanwhile, mountain rescue teams were forced to swim through the deluge after it reached chest-height in some areas of York overnight and today

Smiles: A couple are rescued by a Mountain Rescue team in Huntington Road, York, after the Rivers Foss and Ouse burst their banks

Incredible scenes: Rescuers wave to residents in stricken homes as they check on people who have been stranded by the flooding

Well that's different: Two men find alternative transport measures to travel down the heavily flooded Huntington Road in York today

Interesting: A man, wearing a wetsuit, attempted to ride his bike and transport an inflatable lilo as floodwater hit Huntington Road in York

Is that a good idea? A man tries to ride his bicycle along a flooded residential street in York with an inflatable rubber ring around his neck

Intense flooding: Onlookers take stock of the widespread flooding which has left cars, shops and homes submerged in the York area

Thousands of properties remain submerged in floodwater, with dramatic aerial photographs showing the widespread devastation caused by the latest wave of flooding.

Homes in York city centre were besieged by chest-high floodwater and thousands had to be evacuated by the Army after the Rivers Ouse and Foss burst their banks.

The Environment Agency (EA) is now warning people to remain vigilant as river levels continue to rise, with the threat of more severe flooding likely into Monday.

The Ouse is more than 5 metres above its normal summer levels and is predicted to keep rising until lunchtime tomorrow, when it is expected to reach 5.3 metres.

The flooding is so bad the council has run out of sandbags and is asking other local authorities to step in to help people protect their homes and businesses.

Some 24 flood warnings are in place in the north east - warning of a risk to life - while there are a further 115 flood warnings and 102 flood alerts across Wales and much of western England.

As well as communities in northern England, areas around the River Severn in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and Worcestershire are also at risk.

Many places have seen record river levels over the past 24 hours, including the River Aire in Leeds, and the rivers Calder and Ribble, affecting places such as Whalley, Hebden Bridge and Ribchester.

Emergency services in the Greater Manchester are now concentrating their efforts on a recovery operation, with water levels beginning to fall after the rain stopped.

Hundreds of homes in Salford were evacuated after the River Irwell burst its banks and an information centre has been set up for those affected in the area at the Beacon Centre on London Street, Salford.

Greater Manchester Police's assistant chief constable John O'Hare said: 'We are now entering the recovery phase of the operation and a lot of work is being done to return Greater Manchester to normality.

'There is still a lot of work to be done in some areas so this phase may take some time but the emergency services and local authorities will continue to work tirelessly to help those affected by the floods.

'A lot of work has been put in not only by a number of agencies but also mountain rescue teams and the local communities and I would like to pay thanks and tribute to everybody who has been involved for the spirit and team work that they have shown in helping those in need.'

Biblical scenes: Muddy, brown floodwater covered residential streets including Huntingdon Road and Yearsley Crescent in York today

We're on our way! Rescue teams make their way through muddy floodwater in York city centre after the River Ouse bursts its banks

Wash-out: Huntingdon Road and Yearsley Crescent are covered by floodwater in York after the Rivers Ouse and River Foss overspilled

From one part of the north to another: Properties surrounded by floodwater in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, after the River Wharfe breached

Quite literally stranded: A flock of sheep were surrounded by floodwater in Cawood, North Yorkshire, after the River Wharfe burst its banks

Send help! A flock of sheep were stranded by floodwater in Cawood, North Yorkshire, after widespread flooding engulfed fields and roads

Widespread devastation: Floodwater covers parts of York Racecourse after the River Ouse bursts its banks in York city centre overnight

A sea of water: A view of Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, today after the River Wharfe burst its banks - leaving properties and cars submerged

Unusual scenes: Beer kegs float in floodwater outside a brewery in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, after the River Wharfe burst its banks today

The Met Office said up to 30mm of rain fell widely across northern England overnight, particularly in the already-saturated regions of Cumbria and Lancashire, with a total of 43mm of rain recorded within the last 24 hours at Dunsop Bridge, Lancashire.

Forecasters are now warning of a further band of rain, which will move from the south towards the north later today, before 80mph winds hit tomorrow.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said he had been evacuated from his home in York at about 5.30am today and said the water was waist-deep when he left.

The man, who was taken to an emergency rest centre at Archbishop Holgate's School, said: 'It's not been a very nice night. I've had about 40 minutes sleep. Not a great way to spend Christmas.'

Meanwhile, the Pallister family arrived at the centre with four children, who were still wearing their pyjamas. They said the rescue services had been 'really good' and checked on the family throughout the night.

Lisa Pallister, 36, said the water had not yet entered their home in the Huntington area of York but was expected to rise further during today.

She said: 'We didn't think it would reach us because we're raised off the ground and have three storeys but, by this morning, it was on the steps and it is going to rise by lunchtime. So we had a boat ride out.

'We're feeling all right. A bit tired, a bit shocked. We're lucky though, a lot of other residents were flooded last night early on.

'The children have coped really well, they've been really brave, we were rescued out of there and they were brave.'

Mrs Pallister said they were now going to stay with parents until they could get back into their home. She said the school rest centre was full of evacuated residents when they arrived. Dozens of mountain rescue teams from across the north of England gathered in the car park.

While thousands of residents were evacuated yesterday and through the night, many people were still awaiting evacuation from their homes near the River Foss today.

One man who lives in Navigation Road said there were about a dozen people stuck in each of four blocks of flats where water is 'chest deep'.

The 31-year-old, who did not wish to be named, said: 'We are surrounded by water. It is really alarming.

'I ordered sandbags last night and I'm a bit shocked they still haven't arrived 16 hours later.

'Now we are at tipping point, it is too late.'

Rescue operation: A boat full of residents were rescued from their homes in York city centre by members of Cleveland Mountain Rescue and soldiers from the 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancasters Regiment today as rising waters engulfed homes and cars in the north

Helped to safety: One lady was rescued from a York hotel by the Cleveland mountain rescue team today before being helped onto dry land

The day after Boxing Day: Emergency Services rescue residents from their flooded homes in York this morning with many parts of northern England suffering from heavy flooding over the Christmas period. Pictured: A woman is helped out of her home with her possessions

Saved from flooding: A young woman, wearing a onesie, cradles her small dog as she is rescued by boat from her flooded home in York

The only way: A mountain rescue worker carries a woman over his shoulder as a team rescues residents from waist-high flooding in York

Rescues of all ages: Children, adults and pets were all rescued from their flooded homes in York this morning as Prime Minister David Cameron announced he will chair an emergency Cobra meeting today to address how those who have fallen victim can be helped

Onto dry land: The mountain rescue team were helping residents from flooded properties and onto dry land in York early this morning

Rescue: Emergency Services worked through the night to rescue residents, including pets and children, from their flooded homes in York

Flooded homes: Soldiers checked on residents and their properties in York earlier this morning after the River Foss bursts its banks

Searching: A soldier wades through the knee-high floodwater in York city centre as workers attempt to rescue those stranded by the water

Battling the floodwater: A man walks alongside a row of houses in a residential area of York after the River Foss burst its banks overnight

Unbelievable: A car was almost completely submerged by floodwater outside a Spar garage in Leeds, West Yorkshire, early this morning

Biblical: Petrol pumps and vehicles were almost entirely submerged as flooding hit 'unprecedented' levels in Leeds, West Yorkshire, today

Stranded: Cars were abandoned across West Yorkshire, including in Leeds (pictured), after heavy rain and flooding hit overnight

Working together: Army personnel were carrying out a military operation in York today as they continued to rescue stricken residents

The only way to travel: Rescue workers visited homes the only way possible - by boat - today as they worked to help evacuate those stuck

Like a river: The floodwater filled the streets of York city centre in unprecedented scenes as around 4,000 people were evacuated today

Damage: Some residents said they were lucky to be alive after watching a huge section of the Waterside pub in Summerseat, Lancashire, suddenly wash away in the flooding. It collapsed as the River Irwell reached unprecedented levels as heavy rainfall hit the region again

Aftermath: The Waterside pub was completely damaged today after collapsing into the River Irwell near Bury, Greater Manchester, in stormy conditions yesterday. Residents told how the 200-year-old pub fell into the fast-flowing torrent 'in just a few seconds' in heavy rainfall

Counting the cost: The owner of the Waterside pub in Summerseat said he was 'devastated' last night after the building collapsed

Disaster: Debris from the Waterside Pub in Summerseat could be seen collapsed in the River Irwell today after it fell into the water last night

Gone: In Summerseat, Lancashire, the 200-year-old Waterside pub was built on a bridge over the River Irwell and collapsed due to flooding

The worst-hit areas: This graphic shows where the majority of people have been evacuated yesterday and overnight due to the flooding

The man, who lives on the third floor with his mother, reported there were elderly people trapped and said he hoped the Army would be rescuing them soon.

He said: 'We have been trapped since last night. It's not nice at all but we are trying to keep calm. We have got a few supplies to last a couple of days.

'There are Army trucks at the top of our roads. I don't feel too worried because we are higher up and I'd rather that people in need were rescued. It's good that people are checking up on each other.

'I know they (emergency services) are overstretched. The whole of town is flooded, it is really extreme - I've never seen anything like this.

'Half of York is underwater.'

Warnings: The Met Office issued two red alerts for rain, deemed to be potentially deadly, yesterday as severe weather battered parts of Britain. The shaded areas were among the worst to be flooded

As workers desperately made their way door-to-door to help evacuate residents, some who chose to stay in their homes could be seen dishing out emergency wellies for those dropping off sandbags in trainers.

Kind-hearted Helen Rawling, 42, handed out waders to those stranded in the rising water levels.

The mother-of-one, who was on standby to be evacuated, said: 'I've lived here 20 years and have never seen it this bad.

'It's still really high - my house is almost flooded - but all we can do is cross our fingers.

'We're on standby at the moment and we're ready to go.

'There was hardly any water out there at 5am this morning and then it just came out of no where. It was quite scary really.'

Standing in a foot of floodwater outside her home, she added: 'The drains just can't handle it.

'I was out helping a student back across the water with two suitcases.

'All the services have been great though - I cannot fault them.

'This is going to be a major clean up operation.'

Soldiers were deployed to York this morning to help with sandbagging and were also sent to Cawood, North Yorkshire, to help with evacuations.

Residents of the Windsor House residential home, in Acomb, York, were moved to other care homes earlier after the basement flooded. A City of York Council spokeswoman said their families had been informed.

She said: 'Partners and emergency services are working round the clock in York to tackle unprecedented levels of flooding in the city.

'Provisions are in place across multi-agencies following overwhelming river levels for the Foss and Ouse. Front line teams from all organisations are working round the clock to protect residents and tourists.'

In Yorkshire, where 24 severe flood warnings remain in place for Sunday, more than 15,000 homes have already had power restored in Leeds.

Both the cities of Leeds and York were submerged after the River Aire hit record levels.

A spokesperson for Northern Powergrid said: 'River levels have not yet peaked in Leeds and the localised impact of the flood water is evolving by the hour therefore we will continue to monitor the situation very closely overnight.

'We still have 3,000 of our customers in the upper Calder Valley (Todmorden, Mythholmroyd, Hebden Bridge and Sowerby Bridge) who are currently without power.

'Restoration for these customers will only become possible when the flood waters recede.

'We are keeping in contact with the local emergency services and have our teams and equipment ready to go as soon as we receive the green light that it is safe to access our sites.

'We will continue working until our last customers are restored although it is likely that some properties may not be able to take power for some days yet.

'We're sorry for the disruption and our thoughts are with our customers who have had their homes and businesses damaged as result of the floods. We will do everything we can to ensure power supplies return to normal as quickly as the conditions allow.'

West Yorkshire Police declared a major incident after responding to what it said was the 'worst flooding in 70 years' in the area.

Some 100 soldiers were deployed to the county to help emergency services in the hardest hit areas of Calderdale and Leeds.

Judith Blake, the leader of Leeds City Council, said the authority had warned the Government flooding in Leeds was a 'catastrophe waiting to happen'.

Ms Blake called for 'significant investment' in additional flood defences for the city to prevent future flooding.

She said: 'The cost of the damage caused by this event will be considerable and if ever the evidence was needed that cities like Leeds must have the best possible comprehensive flood defences, this is it.

'The council warned the Government, after several near-misses in recent years, that a major flood in Leeds was a catastrophe waiting to happen but the response was slow and not the level of investment we know the city needs for it to be fully protected.

'While now is the time to focus on the wellbeing of our residents and the condition of their properties and possessions, we will again be calling on the Government for further significant investment in additional flood defences for Leeds.

'A preventable disaster like this must never happen again.'

Calling in the Army: Military personnel helped evacuate hundreds of residents from their homes in York city centre amid widespread floods

All hands on deck: Soldiers help a group of residents towards safety today after the River Ouse bursts its banks in York city centre

'Unprecedented flooding': Members of the Army help evacuate people from flooded properties after they became trapped in York

It's raining, it's pouring: Water runs out of flooded properties after the River Ouse bursts its banks in York city centre earlier this morning

Underwater: A white van had water up to its front window this morning after intense downpours overnight saw the River Ouse overspill

Evacuations: Emergency services navigate a flooded street in York this morning as they go house-to-house to rescue stricken residents

Totally submerged: The tops of cars can barely be seen in this picture after floodwater almost completely covered the vehicles in York

Coming through! Army vehicles were being used in York this morning to push through the deep waters in a bid to access cut-off areas

Bring in the Army: Military vehicles wade through the floodwater in York city centre as they evacuate homeowners and hotel guests today

Unexpected scenes: The floodwater was rather deep in York city centre as the deluge made its way into urbanised areas for the first time

Braving the floodwater: A man wades through waist-deep water as rescue teams evacuate residents and hotel guests in the centre of York

Rising high: Britain's flooding chaos continued today as the Army waded in to save people from the treacherous flood waters across York

Stranded: Vehicles were submerged in flooded underground car parks in York today as another community awoke to widespread deluge

Making do: Dramatic rescues took place in York city centre overnight in a bid to save stranded residents and motorists from the floodwater

A MONTH OF FLOODS: MAJOR FLOODING INCIDENTS WHICH HAVE BLIGHTED THE COUNTRY IN DECEMBER Here are some of the key moments from the flooding which has struck the country in December. December 4: Forecasters predict heavy rain and strong winds as Storm Desmond hits the UK. The Met Office issues weather warnings for north west and north east of England, as well as parts of Scotland, and say up to 200mm of rain could fall over the weekend. December 5: Police in Cumbria declare a 'major incident' as Storm Desmond tears through Britain. Parts of the county are evacuated, while in north London a 90-year-old man dies after reportedly being blown into the side of a bus by strong winds. December 5: More than a month's rain falls in parts of Cumbria. The village of Shap had the most rain, with 178.2mm falling in the 24 hours until 7pm on Saturday night. The average rainfall for Cumbria for the month of December is 146.1mm, the Met Office said. December 6: The Army is drafted in to help with flooding in the aftermath of Storm Desmond. Floods minister and MP for Penrith and the Border Rory Stewart said flooding in his constituency has been 'the worst that anybody's experienced'. December 7: Prime Minister David Cameron visits areas devastated by flooding after chairing a meeting of emergency Cobra committee. He says the floods were a 'horrific thing' and adds the Environment Agency will assess flood barriers to learn lessons. December 9: Donations to a relief fund for Cumbrian communities devastated by flooding pass £500,000 in less than three days and Chancellor George Osborne announces households and businesses affected by recent floods will benefit from a £50 million fund. December 10: Yvette and Simon Holden, from Chorley, Lancashire, get married in Glenridding, despite fears that the wedding may not go ahead after floodwater tore through the idyllic village. December 12: River levels remain high and more than 70 flood warnings are issued as the north of the country is hit with heavy rain for the second weekend in a row. December 18: Insurers say they expect the total bill for Storm Desmond to reach around £520 million. December 25: More than 100 flood alerts and warnings are issued across England and Wales as Storm Eva hits. December 26: More than 20 severe flood warnings - meaning that there is a danger to life - are issued as forecasters said up to 4.7ins (120mm) of rain could fall in some areas already saturated by wave after wave of winter squalls. Hundreds of residents in West Yorkshire and Lancashire are evacuated from their homes and thousands are left without power due to widespread flooding. December 27: The Prime Minister chairs a meeting of Cobra and promises to send more troops to 'do whatever is needed' to help people in large swathes of northern England stricken by floods. North Yorkshire Police advise 400 people in York to evacuate their homes, while 24 severe flood warnings remain in place in the north east. Advertisement

Environment Secretary Liz Truss told BBC Breakfast earlier today that levels of rain had been 'unprecedented' and said flood defences will be reviewed.

'We've been preparing with a series of Cobras through the Christmas period, so we've got the Army out working round the clock, as well as the Environment Agency and local authorities to make sure that we protect lives,' she said.

'Today the Prime Minister will be chairing a Cobra to continue that work to make sure that we've got all the resources on the ground that are needed to support families in these truly very, very difficult times.'

Asked about how much money was being allocated to help the flood victims, Ms Truss said the priority was protecting lives and homes.

'We're still in a situation with major flood warnings, people need to look at the latest advice from the Environment Agency, from the emergency services,' she said.

'That's really important because in many places we have not yet reached the high point. So it's really important that that is the effort over the next few days.

'Of course, we're looking at schemes similar to what we put in place in Cumbria to make sure families and businesses are supported.

'We're looking at that at the moment, but my priority is making sure that we have a good response effort, that we give families, communities, all the help they need to make sure we protect lives and we protect people's homes.'

Ms Truss said it was 'right to say' that flood defences had been 'overwhelmed' in Lancashire.

'Every single river was at a record high,' she said, adding that in Yorkshire some rivers are a metre higher than they have ever been before.

'And clearly in the light of that we will be reviewing our flood defences,' she said.

In good spirits: One woman still had a smile on her face despite being rescued from her property in York as floodwater rose to waist level

Rescuing those of all ages: Emergency services rescued a small boy and father from a property in York as flooding hit the region overnight

Dramatic: More than 400 people were rescued from their flood-hit homes in York by the Army and mountain rescue teams overnight as rising waters engulfed properties and left cars stranded in the middle of roads. Pictured: A woman is taken to safety in an inflatable boat

Led to safety: A woman is comforted as she is taken to safety after being evacuated from her flood-hit home in the centre of York today

Calm after the storm: Sunrise over a flooded York city this morning after the River Ouse bursts its banks following heavy rain last night

Underwater: Residents in Leeds city centre faced severe flooding overnight with many forced to evacuated as the water hit high levels

Chaotic scenes: The Ibis hotel in Leeds desperately tried to minimise flooding overnight by blocking the entrances to keep water at bay

Wet, wet, wet: Many cars were stranded in floodwater in the Kirkstall area of Leeds overnight as the city centre was hit by heavy rainfall

The Met Office confirmed today that Shapp in Cumbria had seen a new record of the amount of rainfall to fall in the region in the month of December.

A total of 728mm of rain - 28.6 inches - fell between December 1 and Boxing Day, which is more than three-and-a-half times the monthly average.

The Met Office said a new band of rain would move from the south to the north later today but said it would bring nowhere near as much rainfall as seen in recent days.

A spokesman said: 'It will be weaker than we have seen in recent days. It will bring some light rain, a couple of millimetres, but it won't be as bad as over the last few days. It's a period of respite.

'Tuesday night into Wednesday will see more rain, but it should move through the quite quickly and shouldn't cause too much trouble.

'However, winds will be quite strong then too. Currently, there's a wind warning in place for western areas where we could see up to 80mph.'

Assistant Chief Constable Angela Williams, of West Yorkshire Police, said the flooding situation was 'quite simply the worst we have seen in 70 years'.

She said: 'As a result we declared a major incident yesterday evening and received support from the Ministry of Defence who deployed 100 soldiers to assist with emergency and recovery efforts in Calderdale and Leeds.

'I want to reassure residents that emergency services are doing all they can and we will continue to do so until this situation improves.'

She added: 'We want to thank members of the public for their support working with us, in what has been a truly dreadful and dangerous situation.'

Ms Williams advised residents to stay upstairs in flooded properties, to avoid driving through flooding and not to play in floodwaters.

North Yorkshire Police earlier said they had run out of 'road closed' signs.

The force wrote on Twitter: 'Several calls from people that have driven into flood water, we have run out of Road Closed signs, don't enter flood water, avoid flooded roads.'

The clean-up operation begins: Volunteers helped to clear the Post Office in Mythelmroyd, in the Calder Valley, West Yorkshire, today as the floodwater which hit the community yesterday finally receded - leaving in its wake sludge, mud and sediment as well as damp

Sweep up: Residents and business owners faced the huge task of cleaning out their properties which have been damaged in Mythelmroyd

Heartbreaking: People clear their stock in a travel agents which was completely trashed by yesterday's flooding in Mythelmroyd, Yorkshire

Pulling together: Workers clear their shop in Mythelmroyd following yesterday's floods which saw six-and-a-half inches of rain hit the UK

Widespread devastation: Damaged possessions and belongings were hoarded outside shops and homes in Mythelmroyd after the floods

Counting the cost: A man sits among his possesions outside his flooded home in Mythelmroyd, West Yorkshire, after yesterday's floods

Clearing up: Homes had to be cleared out in the West Yorkshire community this morning as residents begin to count the cost of the floods

Bagging up: Business owners cleared out damaged possessions and belongings from their shops in Mythelmroyd as the clean-up started

Help: A truck loaded with possesions is used to help residents and business owners as the clean-up operation begins in Mythelmroyd

Working together: Residents joined forces to help each other out as they came to terms with the flooding which hit Yorkshire yesterday

River flooding damage: Contents of an accountants shop are seen on the street after yesterday's floods in Mythelmroyd, West Yorkshire

The Environment Agency's flood map turned Britain red and black with warnings on a day when it issued more than 400 warnings

LOCALS PLUNGED INTO FLOODING NIGHTMARE ON BOXING DAY MORNING AS SIRENS SOUNDED THE ALARM AT 7AM Flood sirens rang out at 7am yesterday in the West Yorkshire town of Mytholmroyd as the River Calder burst its banks - plunging locals into a nightmare. Some residents were evacuated as the waters rapidly rose, completely flooding the town centre. Others trapped by the flood were forced to seek refuge on the upper floors of their homes, far left and inset. Battling locals passed valuables to safety amid the rising waters, below left, while others were left helpless by the fury of the flood, below right. Chaos: Residents were evacuated as the waters rapidly rose, flooding the town centre of Mytholmroyd, as the River Calder burst its banks Advertisement

It comes after a day of extraordinary scenes when rivers and waterways broke their banks and continued downpours caused flooding on already saturated ground.

The army and specialist emergency flood units were called in to rescue elderly residents from a care home in Croston, Lancashire, which was left underwater after the River Yarrow burst its banks.

The Duke of Lancaster Regiment rescued people form the Croston Park Care Home, and more residents of the village were also evacuated from their homes as the water continued to rise.

Two streets in Leeds city centre turned into 'canals' after the River Aire reached its highest ever level and burst its banks.

Elsewhere, astonishing pictures emerged of sunken towns which residents said had begun to resemble 'mini-Venices'. One West Yorkshire town, Todmorden, was cut off completely.

Earlier, rescuers on an inflatable dinghy pulled an elderly man from the sunroof of his Land Rover, which drifted through the Yorkshire town of Mytholmroyd almost completely submerged. He was said to be 'seconds from drowning' when saved.

As Ministers spoke of unprecedented rainfall, people in the worst hit areas were urged to 'flee for their lives'. Flood alerts were issued across Greater Manchester where police chiefs told residents to 'protect your property by elevating valuable and sentimental items'.

In other developments:

Environment Secretary Liz Truss abandoned her Christmas celebrations to visit the affected zone.

The Met Office issued two severe weather warnings, meaning danger to life, for further rainfall.

Thousands of homes were left without power as engineers frantically work to restore supplies, although some will be without it until Monday.

Hundreds of families in Lancashire and Yorkshire were rescued from waist-high water by soldiers and emergency crews in dinghies.

A fire broke out on the banks of Irwell in nearby Radcliffe, Bury, after the swollen river dislodged a gas pipe causing an explosion.

Rain caused a 20ft sinkhole to open up on the M62 near Rochdale.

Help is on the way: A man is helped from his home in York with just a bag of possessions after floodwater engulfed thousands of houses

Rising waters: Rescuers waded through chest-high floodwater in York city centre as they continued the evacuation process today

That can't be good: A car is partly submerged by floodwater in York after the River Foss flooded, leaving thousands of people stranded

The water is everywhere! Floodwater filled car parks across the city centre of York after the River Foss breached its banks overnight

Fully equipped: Members of the emergency services wade through the rising waters after the nearby River Foss burst its banks in York

Running like a river: Floodwater filled residential streets across northern England today including in York (pictured) and areas of Leeds

No building is safe: The Merchant Adventurer's Hall, which was built in 1337, in York is under water as levels continue to rise

Widespread flooding: The Merchant Adventurer's Hall is at risk in York as water levels from the River Foss and River Ouse continue to rise

ONLY SECONDS TO SPARE FOR OAP WHO WAS RESCUED FROM HIS CAR AS IT FILLED UP WITH WATER This was the dramatic moment an elderly man trapped in his Land Rover by rising floodwaters was dragged to safety in the nick of time by rescue workers yesterday. They had to pull the stranded driver through the vehicle's sunroof as the waters rose. The drama unfolded in Mytholmroyd, West Yorkshire. The pensioner was taken to hospital. This was the dramatic moment an elderly man trapped in his Land Rover by rising floodwaters was dragged to safety in the nick of time by rescue workers yesterday The rescue party arrived on boats to help the OAP to safety after they spotted the roof of the Land Rover above the surface of the water The pensioner was later taken to safety and then transferred to hospital where he received treatment for hypothermia Advertisement

In one of the most shocking incidents the flooding destroyed a 200-year-old pub which sits on a bridge over the River Irwell at Summerseat, Greater Manchester.

Adrian Costello, who was 20 yards away at the time, said: 'I heard a loud crumbling and crashing sound. I turned to my left and watched The Waterside crumble into the river – from being fully intact to disintegrating in front of my eyes. There was dust everywhere.'

The owner of the pub, who had spent £70,000 renovating it, said he was 'devastated' last night.

Owais Khan, 53, added: 'It was a beautiful landmark building. I am just grateful that no one was injured when it collapsed.'

The London-based property developer bought the pub in 2002 and left it empty for four years until locals successfully campaigned for it to be reopened.

Labour politicians criticised the Environment Agency for 'ignoring warnings that flooding on this scale was likely to happen', and said they were amazed that there were no reports of casualties.

Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk said: 'The Government's massive budget cuts have left the Environment Agency as a remote and impotent organisation which is unable to respond sufficiently.'

Floods Minister Rory Stewart suggested climate change might be to blame, saying: 'What we've seen is rainfall levels that nobody's ever seen before.'

And he said flood defences designed two years ago were never built to withstand this level of rainfall.

As up to six-and-a-half inches of rain fell in some places on already sodden land, the Environment Agency issued 225 flood warnings, meaning that immediate action was required.

Hundreds of residents in Whalley and Ribchester in Lancashire abandoned their homes when flood waters poured through the streets.

More than 100 soldiers from 2nd Battalion Duke of Lancaster's Regiment were drafted in to help fire crews and police teams locate the worst-affected and help them to safety as homes were evacuated.

A-ok? A member of the emergency services checks a flooded motorcycle showroom after the adjacent River Foss burst its banks in York

Sinking in floodwater: Empty drinks bottles bob around in the murky floodwater after being swept out of a pub in the deluge in York

Fleeing their homes: People wade through floodwaters on Huntington Road, adjacent to the River Foss which burst its banks in York

Delighted to be rescued: A family appeared pleased after being helped to safety by mountain rescue teams in a flooded York today

Finding fun in the deluge: A little girl was jumping in the floodwater as she tried to make light of the situation in York earlier today

HOW HOPELESS BARRIERS DIDN'T STEM THE TIDE OF FLOODING WHEN THE RIBBLE BURST ITS BANKS The row once again raged yesterday over whether sufficient money has been spent on protecting people from the ravages of flooding. And so-called flood defences in the village of Ribchester, Lancashire, were left looking pitiful after the River Ribble burst its banks, sending waters pouring through the village streets. The flimsy-looking barricades did little to hold back the torrent as distraught locals were told to abandon their homes. flood defences in the village of Ribchester, Lancashire, were left looking pitiful after the River Ribble burst its banks, sending waters pouring through the village streets Advertisement

Whalley's main street was under 4ft by noon, with abandoned cars at risk of being carried away by the floodwater. Rescuers were using inflatable craft to bring some victims to safety.

Lt Col Hamish Cormack, commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, said: 'We started out in Cumbria with Storm Desmond a couple of weeks ago, and have been heading further south since then.'

Flood sirens sounded at Walsden, Todmorden, Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd in Calderdale, Yorkshire, as water breached defences.

About 10,000 homes in Lancashire lost their electricity supply after a main substation was damaged. Electricity North West said teams were working 'in extremely difficult conditions' to restore power.

A 20ft sinkhole opened up on the M62 near Rochdale, closing the westbound stretch between junctions 19 and 20.

The previously flooded areas of Cumbria suffered still more torment from rising waters. In Appleby, one of the worst affected villages, the River Eden was 7ft from the top of the riverbank early yesterday. During the day the level rose to within just a couple of feet of the bank top.

In Padiham, Lancashire, fire crews were forced to evacuate their station after it flooded.

Alison Baptiste, the Environment Agency's flood duty manager, said: 'Our thoughts are with all those who've been coping with serious flooding to their homes and businesses over Christmas and those who face the risk of further flooding.'

But farmers complained that Environment Agency restrictions make it impossible for them to carry out vital flood defence work on their own land without first 'jumping through hoops'.

Cumbrian hill farmer Mary Lightfoot said: 'There is quite a bit of red tape to go through first before you can even think about hiring a digger to do some dredging.

'You can't do a thing without getting the proper permission. It's a lengthy procedure. A large chunk of our caravan park was washed away during the recent floods. Perhaps more regular dredging would have stopped this.'

Wet wet wet: December has been dull and wet across the UK, with sunshine well down on the long-term average and precipitation above