MORE than 30 residents have been evacuated from properties across North Yorkshire - and more properties are at risk of flooding. 

East Riding Council said that 10 properties, seven commercial and three residential, have flooded in Snaith, and the council has also closed the A1041 Selby Road and Gowdall Lane due to severe standing water on the carriageways.

And at least nine properties in nearby Hirst Courtney had also been evacuated, while more than 7,000 sandbags have now been used in Cawood.  

Meanwhile, North Yorkshire County Council said that 22 residents were evacuated from two care homes in Temple Hirst on Tuesday, amid fears that the properties would be flooded by water from the River Aire.

A spokesman for East Riding Council said the council and its partners are anticipating that further properties in Snaith are at risk of flooding and also potentially properties in East Cowick as the flood water works its way through the marshlands and river system. 

Around 20 tonnes of sandbags have been deployed across the villages to protect homes and businesses. Sandbags are not being issued on a general basis but are being targeted to those properties at most risk of flooding. 

House to house checks on vulnerable people have been carried out and will continue throughout the week.

On Tuesday another 1,000 extra sandbags were deployed in Hirst Courtney last night where river levels were rising.

North Yorkshire County Council said that overall, around 20 properties have been flooded across the North Yorkshire area. 

Several community spaces have been housing people affected by the floods. 

The Priory Church in Snaith has been open as a place for people who have been affected to shelter.

Mathew Buckley, head of legal and democratic services, said: “The council is working closely with its partners, including the Environment Agency, Humberside Police, Humberside Fire & Rescue, Snaith and Cowick Town Council and HM Coastguard, to support our residents and businesses during this ongoing flood incident.

“Conditions in Snaith and Gowdall are challenging and the unpredictability of the flooding means that the incident is rapidly changing.

“We will continue to monitor conditions this evening and overnight and will continue to respond in line with our emergency plans.”

Three schools were closed today, including Snaith Primary School, Cowick Church of England Primary School and Snaith Academy and they will remain closed tomorrow. 

Motorists are still advised to stay away from the affected areas, including the A1041 Selby Road and Gowdall Lane.

Bus services in the area have been affected. The Arriva service 401 between Selby and Goole is operating but will divert via the Drax Bypass, but all bus stops apart from Snaith Rail Station will be served, although buses may run later.

The Thornes service 488, Wednesday only from Pollington, Gowdall and Snaith to Goole will not be operating today.

Water levels remain very high and are likely to stay high for a couple of days.

Residents are encouraged to follow this advice around floodwater: Avoid walking or driving through flood water, keep children and vulnerable people away from it, wash your hands thoroughly if you touch floodwater.

Fire Service Station Manager Bob Hoskins said Hirst Road from Carlton to WestBank has also closed due to water levels and large amounts of debris being washed onto the carriageway.

Speaking to The Press yesterday, The Environment Agency said 3,000 sandbags have been placed along the tops of flood walls alongside the River Ouse in Cawood and pallets used to create a temporary barrier.