FLOODED roads remain closed across the Dales after a summer storm caused devastating flash flooding on Tuesday night.

And the region faces more torrential downpours today, with the Environment Agency issuing more flood warnings.

Stranded motorists had to be rescued and a bridge was even washed away as flash floods struck.

The area saw 50mm of rainfall - a month's worth - in just one hour in North Yorkshire.

The area around Reeth and Grinton was badly affected, with a bridge washed away near Grinton Youth Hostel. And homes and businesses in Leyburn - including a primary school - were flooded.

Police in the area warned on Twitter: "Don't go out unless absolutely necessary. We have severe flooding in the Reeth area. Reeth, Grinton and Bellerby cut off. Emergency Services rescuing people from cars."

This morning, several roads are still blocked due to flooding, including the A6108 at Barden Moor, near Leyburn. The A6108 High Street Bellerby is also flooded but passable.

Whipperdale Bank, also near Leyburn, is just passable due to flooding and motorists are warned to approach with care.

Roads around Reeth and the Sissy Bank, Scarth Nick road near Redmire are also flooded although they remain open, if motorists are careful.

Grinton Moor Bridge, in Grinton, near Reeth, is closed due to flooding and a bridge collapse.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue tweeted: "Lots of reports of flash flooding around Leyburn and Reeth so please take care if you're driving in that area. Remember if a road is flooded and you don't know how deep the water is, don't risk driving through it."

The Northern Echo:

The flooded road between Richmond and Reeth

The Grinton and Fremington were particularly badly affected, with reports coming in that bridges in the area were washed away.

The Northern Echo:

The scene in Reeth on Tuesday night

The Northern Echo:

Water running off the fells above Reeth

Fire crews in Richmondshire said: "Plenty of weather related calls coming in. Crews attending minibus stuck in floodwater and floodwater entering houses."

The Little White Bus Service tweeted on Tuesday night: "SEVERE DISRUPTION. Please be aware - flash flooding across Richmondshire, significant disruption to the Swaledale Shuttle as a result of collapsed walls and extensive diversions with the emergency services in attendance. Sincere apologies."

Homes were also flooded in the Leyburn area, as well as the town's fire station.

 

Earlier, vicious hail left parts of the Dales white over. This footage was filmed at Brymor ice cream at Jervaux near Masham.