Key roads and transport routes are returning to normal today after flooding caused major disruption throughout Wharfedale.

Some drivers were even forced to abandon their cars between Pool -in-Wharfedale and Otley after the River Wharfe overflowed during heavy and persistent rain on Tuesday through to the early hours of yesterday.

The flooding caused the A660 between Otley and Burley -in-Wharfedale to be closed for more than 24 hours, while a section of the A659 at Maple Grange Bends was also closed for several hours yesterday and parts of the A65 near Ilkley and Burley were closed on Tuesday.

And Leeds City Council also took the decision to close Wharfemeadows Park on the banks of the river in Otley, as a precaution due to regular use by schoolchildren, while the river levels remained high.

However, all major arterial road routes were opened again yesterday afternoon as water levels in the River Wharfe recede and no more heavy rain is forecast this week.

The A659 Pool Road between Otley and Pool-in-Wharfedale was closed yesterday after two vehicles attempted to drive through the water and broke down.

They were abandoned as other drivers passed by on pavements and verges.

Flooding was also affecting traffic both ways at the A659 Otley Road's junction with the A61 near Harewood.

The river level at Pool Bridge - which came very close to reaching the highest ever level recorded there, 3.77 metres, on Tuesday – began falling on yesterday, and was down to 3.25 metres by 8am and continued to fall during the day.

Wharfemeadows Park was also reopened as river water levels receded.

Yesterday, a Twitter message from Leeds Peace and Emergency, a city council service working in partnership to build resilience, manage risks and respond to emergencies in Leeds, said things had calmed down and no new warnings or alerts are expected.Thankfully, sounds as though things quietening down,” the message said.

“Issues remain in several areas so please take care when around flooded areas.”