Storm Dollar: Chaos in York and North Yorkshire

York's Christmas markets are closed today after Make It York announced it was unsafe to set up stalls due to predicted winds of 90mph.

The closure came as a shock to tourists who had come to the city to visit the market without knowing that it had been cancelled.

“I can't believe it,” said Michelle Fisk, who came to York from Norwich with her family for the market.

David, Harley and Michelle Fisk take shelter from the rain at Shambles Market on Saturday (Image: Dylan Connell) Three family members who spoke to the press while sheltering from the rain at the Shambles Market, which was also closed today, said they visit York's Christmas Market every year.

“We came for the market,” David Fisk said. “I'm very shocked.

“I came here to do some Christmas shopping and there's nothing open right now.”

David added that he plans to visit some indoor attractions instead, such as the Jorvik Viking Center and the Castle Museum.

Visit York has announced that Christmas markets will reopen tomorrow.

York Christmas Market closed on Saturday due to storm (Image: Dylan Connell) A spokesperson said the decision was based on a “review of Sunday's forecast”, but warned that “plans may change due to weather conditions”.

“We can’t wait to welcome you back to enjoy the festive cheer,” they said on Facebook.

Other attractions in the city, including Clifford Tower, Museum Gardens, Castle Walls and Spark York, were also closed today due to the weather.

Storm causes chaos on roads

Meanwhile, the storm caused chaos on roads around North Yorkshire.

There were several reports of fallen trees in Ryedale this afternoon.

Julie Wells McGuinness said Cowhouse Bank, north of Helmsley, was blocked by a fallen tree.

Fallen tree blocking the road at Cowhouse Bank (Image: Julie Wells McGuinness) She was traveling toward Bransdale and said the roads in the area were “very bad,” adding that she had seen fallen trees, branches and flooding.

Amy Ayres said a fallen tree was blocking the road out of Hutton-le-Hole.

She said the path was “passable” but the grass bank next to it was “very muddy”.

North Yorkshire Police has warned motorists of flooding on the A169 in the North York Moors this afternoon.

The force said the area affected was between Saltergate Hill and RAF Phillindale.

A spokesperson for the force said at around 4pm: “Currently traffic is allowed with caution, but as the situation could worsen further we advise motorists to check travel reports and consider alternative routes.” said.

“We are out and about and working hard to minimize disruption across the region.”

Environment Agency announces possibility of flooding

There are no flood warnings in place for York yet, but one is expected to be issued as the River Ouse continues to rise.

A flood warning (meaning flooding is possible) has been issued for the city and riverside areas to the south.

Areas affected include King's and Queen's Staiths, the South Esplanade and as far south as Naburn Lock.

People brave the rain on Low Petergate on Saturday (Image: Dylan Connell) As of 5.30pm, the River Ouse was 2.2 meters high and rising on the Viking Recorder. 1.9 meters is the high end of the river's normal range.

The Environment Agency predicts that the river will continue to rise tomorrow, peaking at 3.49 meters early Monday morning.

Recommended reading:

A spokesperson said they expect Phosbaria to be operational soon.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and will issue flood warnings where necessary,” they said, adding: “Avoid using low-lying footpaths and bridges near local watercourses and avoid walking or driving through flood water. , please do not attempt to pass by bicycle.”

“Please use caution and consider activating a flood plan if you have one.”

A busy Saturday despite the arrival of Storm Dollar (Image: Dylan Connell) Elsewhere, a flood warning has been issued for Buttercrumb Mill, about five miles north of Stamford Bridge, as today's heavy rain has caused the River Derwent to rise.

The Environment Agency has announced that “flooding is expected” at the Buttercrumb Factory in Buttercrumb Bridge from tomorrow night.

“We expect further rain to fall this evening and into the evening, and river levels are expected to continue to rise,” the spokesperson said.

“We will continue to closely monitor river levels.

'Please plan driving routes to avoid low-lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded and consider activating flood protection products on your property. ”

Hundreds of homes face power outages

Hundreds of homes in north York lost power during this afternoon's storm.

The power outage affected 493 homes across 64 postcodes between Wigginton and Sutton-on-the-Forest and in the Linton-on-Ouse area as of 12.30pm.

However, Northern Power Grid announced that power had been restored by 2:30 p.m.

“Currently, all customers should have their power turned on, but we ask that you keep your lights and appliances on just in case,” a spokesperson said.

Anyone who is still without power is asked to call Northern Powergrid on 105.

Heavy rain and winds are expected tonight and into tomorrow, with a yellow warning in place.

The Bureau of Meteorology predicts gusts of 50 mph will continue overnight, but will ease slightly to 40 mph by 1pm tomorrow, before continuing to weaken into the afternoon.