RAIN, wind and snow are causing chaos for many as the clean up continues in the wake of Storm Ciara and amid continued weather warnings.

Closed roads reopened as the pressure on the Tees, Swale, Ure and Ouse reduced but four schools were closed in North Yorkshire, including Croft, because of access problems. Dozens of homes and businesses were left cleaning up as the floods receded, in York the River Ouse peaked at more than four metres above normal.

England’s highest pub at Tan Hill was overwhelmed by snow with forecasters warning of icy conditions.

The fourth named storm of the 2019-20 season, Dennis, is set to bring a second consecutive weekend of wet and windy weather after Ciara struck the UK with winds of up to 97mph.

Gusts of 50mph are expected, with more than 60mph possible over hills, coastal areas and exposed locations, the Met Office said.

Predicted heavy rain could also run the risk of further flooding, with 43 warnings still in place in England, six in Scotland and one in Wales following recent heavy rainfall.

Police have called on drivers to make sure they heed warnings. Superintendent Jason Dickson from North Yorkshire said: "We’re continuing to work closely with other organisations to keep routes as clear as possible and divert motorists if absolutely necessary.

"If you see a diversion, remember it’s there for your safety. If a road is flooded or closed, please don’t be tempted to chance it, it won’t save you any time and it could be a costly mistake."

Now there are rising calls for more to be done to improve resilience, defences and insurance issues for victims of the floods.

York MP Rachel Maskell has written to the Environment Secretary calling for action with upper catchment management to slow the flow of the rivers a priority.

She said: "The Climate Emergency is real. We are increasingly seeing freak weather which is causing flooding. It is vital that the mitigation is fast-tracked so that people feel more secure in their properties."