York Christmas Market was closed today as Make It York said it was not safe to open stalls due to winds of 60mph being forecast.
The closure was met with shock from tourists who had travelled to the city for the market, unaware that it had been cancelled.
“I can’t believe it,” said Michelle Fiske who travelled to York from Norwich with her family for the market.
“We came up for the market,” David Fiske said. “It’s very much a shock.
“We came up to do our Christmas shopping and now there’s nothing open.”
David added that they planned to visit some indoor attractions – including the JORVIK Viking Centre and Castle Museum – instead.
Visit York said the Christmas Market will reopen tomorrow.
“We can’t wait to welcome you back to enjoy the festive cheer,” they said on Facebook.
Other attractions in the city – including Clifford’s Tower, Museum Gardens, the city walls and Spark:York – also closed today due to the weather.
Storm causes disruption on roads
Meanwhile, the storm caused disruption on roads around North Yorkshire.
There were several reports of fallen trees in Ryedale this afternoon.
Julie Wells Mcguinness said a fallen tree had blocked Cowhouse Bank, north of Helmsley.
Amy Ayers said a fallen tree was blocking the road out of Hutton-le-Hole.
She said it was “passable” but a grass bank next to it was “getting very muddy”.
North Yorkshire Police warned drivers of flooding on the A169 in the North York Moors this afternoon.
The force said the area affected was between Saltergate Hill and RAF Fylindales.
“It’s currently passable with care, but it may get worse and we’d advise drivers to check travel reports and consider alternative routes,” a force spokesperson said at about 4pm.
“We’re out and about, working hard to minimise disruption across the area.”
Flooding possible, says Environment Agency
Flood warnings are yet to be issued for York but they are expected as the River Ouse continues to rise.
Flood alerts – meaning flooding is possible – have been issued for riverside areas in the city and to the south.
Areas affected include King’s Staith and Queen’s Staith, South Esplanade and as far south as Naburn Lock.
The Environment Agency expects the river to continue rising tomorrow and peak at 3.49m in the early hours of Monday.
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A spokesperson said they expected the Foss Barrier to be in operation soon.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and will issue flood warnings if necessary,” they said, adding: “Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk, drive or cycle through flood water.
“Take care and consider activating your flood plan if you have one.”
The Environment Agency said “flooding is expected” at Buttercrambe Mill, at Buttercrambe Bridge, overnight into tomorrow.
“Further rainfall is forecast this evening and overnight and river levels are forecast to continue to rise,” the spokesperson said.
“We will continue to monitor river levels closely.
“Plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded. Consider activating any property flood protection products you may have.”
Hundreds of homes hit by power cut
Hundreds of homes north of York were without power during the storm this afternoon.
The power cut was affecting 493 homes across 64 post codes, between Wigginton and Sutton-on-the-Forest and in the Linton-on-Ouse area, at 12.30pm.
But by 2.30pm, Northern Powergrid said power had been restored.
“All customers should now have their power back on but turn on a light or appliance to make sure,” a spokesperson said.
Anyone still without power is asked to call Northern Powergrid on 105.
Heavy rain and wind is expected tonight and tomorrow, with a yellow warning in place.
The Met Office has forecast gales of 50mph throughout the night, calming slightly to 40mph by 1pm tomorrow, then continuing to ease throughout the afternoon.
