County Bridge is now closed to traffic as a result of the ongoing flooding alert and increase in ground water around Castlegate.

Streetscene staff from Ryedale District Council are on site and working with North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue to assess additional pump requirements for Castlegate and Old Malton. 

The Environment Agency forecasts are for the River Derwent to rise to between 4.8 – 4.9m this evening. 

Councillor Keane Duncan, leader of Ryedale District Council, said: "Authorities are doing all they can to assist with the flooding response. At this point in time four pumps are currently deployed in Old Malton, a further five in Malton and one in Norton.

"The Environment Agency is also providing another pump to be deployed on Town Street to increase pumping capacity in Old Malton. Ryedale District Council has requested additional pumps from North Yorkshire County Council as its proactive pump planning to ensure there is sufficient pumping capacity in place if required.

"The multi-agency response continues to be activated and we are working together to manage the flood risk in other parts of the district too, in areas such as Sinnington and Pickering."

Castlegate in Malton is currently flooded following a day of heavy rain.

Vehicles are currently driving through the water but are being urged to do so with care and avoid the area if possible.

A Flood Warning has been issued by the Environment Agency (EA) for the  River Derwent at Old Malton.

A number of roads around Ryedale are also closed due to flooding and motorists are being urged not to drive through the flood water.

A spokesperson for the EA said: "Flooding is expected for: Old Malton, including Town Street (B1257), Westgate, Lascelles Lane. Immediate action required.

"This flood warning has been issued due to high groundwater and river levels. The current level of the River Derwent at Malton is 3.73m and will remain high. The level on the River Rye at Howe Bridge is 4.6m and rising. Pumps are continuing to operate in the area to manage groundwater and surface water. Please exercise caution around flood waters and put your flood plan into action."

What you should consider doing now

* Act on your flood plan if you have one.

* Move your family and pets to a safe place.

* Move your car or other vehicles to higher ground, if it is safe to do so.

* Use flood protection equipment, such as flood barriers, air brick covers and pumps to protect your property. Any equipment should be professionally supplied and installed to help reduce the impact of flood water. * Move important items upstairs or to a safe place in your property, starting with cherished items of personal value that you will not be able to replace (such as family photographs). Next move valuables (such as computers), movable furniture and furnishings. * You may need to leave your property, so pack a bag with enough items for a few nights away. Include essential items including a torch with spare batteries, mobile phone and charger, warm clothes, home insurance information, water, food, first aid kit and any prescription medicines or baby care items you may need. * Turn off gas, electricity and water mains supplies before flood water starts to enter your property. Never touch an electrical switch if you are standing in water.

* If it is safe to do so, make sure neighbours are aware of the situation and offer help to anyone who may need it.

* Listen to the advice of the emergency services and be ready to evacuate your property if told to do so. Most evacuation centres will let you bring your pets. * Avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water. 30 cm of fast-flowing water can move a car and 6 inches can knock an adult off their feet.

* Flood water is dangerous and may be polluted. Wash your hands thoroughly if you've been in contact with it.

To check the latest information for your area ------------------------------------------------------- * Visit the GOV.UK website to see the current flood warnings, view river and sea levels or check the 5-day flood risk forecast: https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/target-area/122FWF649 * Or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 using quickdial code: 134704.

* Follow @EnvAgency and #floodaware on Twitter.

* Tune into weather, news and travel bulletins on local television and radio.

To stop receiving these emails you can manage your account online at https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings. Or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188. If you need to contact us please call Floodline. Please do not reply to this email.