UPDATE : ALL FLOOD ALERTS AND FLOOD WARNINGS ARE NO LONGER IN FORCE
The Environment Agency has issued flood alerts and warnings across various areas of West Yorkshire due to the anticipated heavy showers and thunderstorms expected to hit the region. The alerts and warnings come as a precautionary measure to protect residents, homes, and businesses from potential flooding.
Flood alerts have been issued for multiple catchment areas, including Ings Beck and Oakenshaw Beck, as well as River Spen and Batley Beck catchments, and the Upper River Calder catchment. Although the precise location of the thunderstorms cannot be accurately predicted, there is a risk of localised surface water flooding and flooding from smaller rivers affecting roads and properties.
To proactively address this situation, the Environment Agency has deployed its staff to monitor the weather conditions closely. Field teams are also working alongside partners to ensure that flood defences and trash screens are free from any obstructions. However, due to the rapid rise of water levels in the faster responding rivers, there may not be enough time to issue flood warnings before the onset of any flooding.
In addition to the flood alerts, flood warnings have been specifically issued for Batley Beck at central Batley, including areas such as Alfreds Way, Well Lane, Clarence Street, Hick Lane, Rouse Mill Lane, Alexandra Road, Rink Street, and Saville Street. Warnings also covers Batley, covering Bradford Road from the junction of Copley Street in Carlinghow to the junction of St James Street in Batley, and Properties along Dealburn Road, Walker Road, Cleckheaton Road, New Brighton Road and at Lower Woodlands. Properties located on either side of Thomas Street and Stocks Lane are also included in the warned areas.
The recent local thunderstorms have caused a rapid rise in river levels, heightening the risk of imminent flooding on Sunday, June 18th. However, given the unpredictable nature of thunderstorms, there is some degree of uncertainty surrounding the exact timing and extent of the potential flooding. The areas most susceptible to flooding are those surrounding Batley Beck.
The incident response staff of the Environment Agency are maintaining close monitoring of the situation and weather forecasts. They are also conducting regular checks on flood defences and trash screens to ensure they are functioning effectively.
Residents are advised to plan their driving routes carefully, avoiding low-lying roads near rivers that may be prone to flooding. Furthermore, it is crucial to have flood plans prepared and be ready to implement them if necessary.
The Environment Agency will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as needed to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents in the affected areas.
FLOOD WARNINGS
Batley including Bradford Road from the junction of Copley Street in Carlinghow to the junction of St James Street in Batley. Including properties of either side of Thomas Street and Stocks Lane.
Batley Beck at central Batley including low lying land adjacent to Bradford Road from the junction of Alfreds Way to the Redbrick Mill.
Properties along Dealburn Road, Walker Road, Cleckheaton Road, New Brighton Road and at Lower Woodlands.
FLOOD ALERTS
Alverthorpe Beck, Balne Beck, Ings Beck and Oakenshaw Beck in Wakefield.
River Calder and its tributaries from Todmorden to Brighouse.
The River Spen, Blacup Beck, Lands Beck and Canker Dyke in Cleckheaton and Liversedge, Batley Beck from Birstall to Dewsbury, and Chickenley Beck.
