River levels are easing, but the North isn’t out of it yet. The Environment Agency said on Sunday 16 November that minor river flooding remains possible on the Ouse and Don, with residual issues likely through to Tuesday 18 November as water moves downstream.

Met Office rain and wind warnings have expired, yet officials say flood risk persists after Storm Claudia. The government note is clear: even with calmer skies, water is still working its way through the system.

As of 1pm on Sunday 16 November there were 26 Flood Warnings in force and 74 Flood Alerts across England, according to the Environment Agency.

To date, 57 properties have flooded, including some in Cumbria, while more than 18,000 were protected by defences and emergency action, the agency said.

“River levels are slowly falling,” said EA flood duty manager Sarah Cook, who urged people to stay clear of swollen rivers and be mindful of ice as temperatures dip.

Floods Minister Emma Hardy said she is in regular contact with the Environment Agency and emergency services, and asked the public to follow local advice and avoid driving through flood water.

EA crews spent the weekend clearing debris, checking assets and putting up temporary barriers where needed; that work continues into the start of the week, including on the larger northern catchments.

For communities along the Ouse, Don and Trent, the next 48 hours are about patience. Water takes time to move through the catchments, so fields, towpaths and low‑lying lanes may hold water even after the rain stops.

If you live or work near a river, keep a small flood kit handy, plan journeys with detours in mind and sign up for the free warning service using the Environment Agency’s ‘check my flood risk’ tool. Avoid driving through flood water.

The Northern Ledger will keep in touch with councils, farmers and small firms in Yorkshire and Cumbria through midweek and update readers if the picture changes.