A NUMBER of flood alerts are in place as the district gears up to be battered by Storm Christoph. 

The Met Office has issued an Amber weather warning for rain, in force from 6am Tuesday until 12pm on Thursday. 

It says: "Rain developing during Monday persists into Wednesday and Thursday, this rain associated with Storm Christoph. Rain will be heaviest and most persistent across western facing hills.

"Over 100 mm of rain is expected across the higher ground with the potential for 150-200 mm of rain in the most exposed areas. The rain will also lead to rapid melting of any remaining lying snow across the higher peaks adding to water entering the river network.

"Strong winds will accompany the rain at times and may add to travelling difficulties across higher and more exposed routes."

Bradord Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe, said: “Anyone who lives in a high risk flood area knows the devastation that flooding can bring.

“We are doing all we can as a council and working with our partners to prepare the district, but we need people to make their own preparations. If you live in a high risk flood area, please make sure you are signed up to receive flooding alerts and do what you can to prepare your home and family.”

Flood alerts

Flood alerts mean flooding is possible and people should be prepared.

They are in place for:

  • River Spen and Batley Beck catchments
  • Upper River Calder catchment
  • River Worth catchment 
  • Earby Beck and Glusburn Beck
  • Upper River Aire 

Bradford Council said flood preparations are being put in place across the district. 

In a statement, the Council said: "Heavy rain is expected across the whole of the north of England including the Bradford district over the next few days. This, combined with melted snow, means that rivers are running high which could lead to flooding.

"Ground is already saturated due to the recent snow and rain and this could lead to surface water flooding in places.

"River and surface water flooding is expected for the Bradford district from the early hours of Tuesday January 19 into Wednesday and possibly Thursday.

"Teams from across Bradford Council are working together to help the district to prepare for flooding.

"Crews from Bradford Council have been out across the district clearing debris from Council-owned trash screens on water courses.

"Gully maintenance teams have been concentrating on clearing drains and gullies in hotspot areas.

"Bridges across the district are being inspected and any debris cleared.

"The Council is working with partners including the police, fire and rescue service and the Local Resilience Forum to prepare."

It added: "Residents who live in flood risk areas are advised to start to prepare their properties for flooding. This includes activating their flood plan, moving furniture and valuables and important documents upstairs, and moving cars, caravans, garden items to higher ground.

"People living in high risk areas are also advised to put together a Flood Pack for their home with information and items that they would need if they had to leave their home. This would include clothing, medication, important documents, mobile phone chargers and toiletries. A Flood Pack if they decided to stay in their property would also include items like torches (including spare batteries), duvets, fresh water and food."