Flooding caused havoc across parts of the Bradford district today as roads and properties were hit by a torrential downpour and strong winds.

And the Met Office has warned people to be prepared for further rain and gales throughout the rest of the week.

The Environment Agency has issued flood warnings for businesses and properties close to Broughton Beck, near Skipton.

One resident left counting the cost was solicitor Julian White, who was woken by his wife, Janet, at about 6am after she heard a loud bubbling noise.

They rose to find their house, in Lothersdale, near Skipton, surrounded by water.

He said: “The water surged into the house coming up through the floor in one part.

“There was a phenomenal amount of water – I’d say up to 18 inches deep.”

Mr White said the flooding had been caused by blocked drains at the front of the house, and was compounded by water running off the saturated fields on the hill behind the house.

In Birstall, firefighters were called to Aspire Recruitment, in Gelderd Road, after a landslide of about ten tons of rubble and dirt at the back of the building.

A West Yorkshire Fire Service spokesman said residents were evacuated while a structural engineer inspected the area.

Rail commuters suffered delays across the district and cars struggled to get past flooded roads, including Mill Carr Hill Road, in Oakenshaw, which was partly closed by Bradford Council after a car got stuck in a flood at about 9.30am.

Hoarding around the old police station at Odsal Top was also brought down by strong winds in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Andy Craven, duty manager of the Boathouse in Saltaire, said the River Aire had been rising throughout the day.

He said: “It’s not actually reached us at the moment. The bank at the other side is likely to burst first, but I don’t think we have too much to worry about yet.”

Meanwhile, in Queensbury, residents complained about flooding on a path mainly used by elderly residents making their way from Ashbourne Way to Elliot Court.

Barbara Smalley, 77, of Park Close, said rain water was gushing down the path, surrounded by saturated patches of grass on either side.

She said: “You couldn’t walk through it or else your feet would be wet through.”

And a woman was rescued by firefighters after she became trapped in her car in floodwater.

Skipton firefighters were called to the aid of the 28-year-old woman, who was stuck in her Ford Focus in a swollen ford off Heslaker Lane, Carleton, near Skipton.

Firefighters said the water was at seat level and flowing at such a speed she was not able to safely make her way out of the car. They pushed the car 100 metres back onto solid ground and the woman was freed.

The Met Office has forecast up to 30 to 50mm of rain falling today, particularly in hilly areas, and winds could reach speeds of up to 60mph.

Tony Poole, Bradford Council’s principal drainage officer, said river levels had passed their peak.

He said: “Bradford Council received a number of calls about rising water levels in various places.

“Officers investigated and have reported that river levels have now passed their peak.

“Hopefully conditions will continue to improve throughout the day.”

e-mail: james.rush @telegraphandargus.co.uk