THE River Ouse in York looks to have peaked at 3.6 metres above normal summer levels, despite today's futher rainfall.

The Environment Agency said tonight that a flood warning remained in force on the river, but it was expected to remain at or around current peak levels of 3.6 metres throughout the night.

It said levels might fluctuate slightly early in the morning in response to today’s rainfall but were currently not anticipated to rise above this peak level.

The news came after flood defences were put in place in York today (April 4).

City of York Council said sandbags, water pumps and barriers were in position in some parts of the city and would remain in place while it monitored river levels.

A spokesperson for the council added: "This doesn't affect most of York and the city is open for business."

There is flooding in places alongside the river. Scarborough Bridge - a busy footbridge over the Ouse - was inaccessible due to flooding this morning.

The Foss Barrier, which was closed yesterday morning, is still in operation.

Flooding has prompted callouts for the fire service. A crew from Malton were called at about 3am today to a property which was flooded in Castlegate, Malton. Firefighters helped with pumping water out of the property.

Shortly after 7pm yesterday, a crew from Robin Hoods Bay were called to flooding in the open in Fylingdales and assisted with the clearing of a drain and helped divert the water away from local properties.

Earlier today, bus operator First York tweeted that its number 10 service has been diverted via Ebor Way and Dikelands Lane due to flooding on Main Street in Poppleton. It said it is unable to serve the Lord Nelson terminus and stops on Main Street.

Flood warnings, meaning flooding is expected, are in place for the Ouse at York riverside properties, the Ouse at St George`s Field and Queen`s Staith and the Ouse at Naburn Lock, south of York.

Warnings are also in force for the River Derwent at Buttercrambe Mill and the Derwent at Stamford Bridge, with The Weir Caravan Park and Kexby Bridge the areas of concern.

Meanwhile, less severe flood alerts are in place for the Upper River Ouse in and around York and the Lower River Nidd, with the alert area covering Tockwith and Moor Monkton.

There is an alert in place for the Tidal River Wharfe. The area covered by the alert includes Tadcaster.

An alert is also in force for the Tidal River Ouse, and the area covered by the alert includes Selby.

In addition, there is an alert in place for the Lower River Derwent, with the alert area covering Elvington.

The EA said an alert remains in place for the River Rye due to high levels around Howe Bridge near Malton.

An alert for the Upper River Derwent also remains in force due to high river levels on the River Rye at Howe Bridge and the River Derwent at Malton.

Warnings for the River Foss downstream and upstream of Yearsley Baths, Pickering Beck riverside properties and River Ure at Roecliffe Caravan Park are no longer in force. The alert for the River Foss has also been removed.