FLOOD alerts are in place for rivers across the region as heavy rain continues to fall in some areas.

Although Storm Eunice has now peaked after hitting the North East on Friday, heavy rain continues to fall, creating a flood risk along some major rivers.

Read more: Electricity restored to over 30,000 homes left without power after Storm Eunice

A 'be prepared' flood warning has been issued by the government for the Upper River Tees in County Durham.

River levels are forecast to rise at the Middleton in Teesdale gauge as a result of heavy and prolonged rainfall. 

A spokesman said: "Areas most at risk are riverside footpaths and low-lying land and roads.

"Further rainfall is expected throughout the day, remaining heavy this morning.

"We expect river levels to continue to rise throughout the morning and peak at 5pm on Sunday.

"River levels are expected to remain high for the rest of the day.

"There may be the potential to issue Flood Warnings later today.

"We are closely monitoring the situation.

"Our incident response staff are Croft and Neasham gates.

"These are likely to remain closed overnight.

"Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded. 

Read more: Hero RAF veteran from Darlington saves elderly woman's life during storm

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has received reports of the River Wharfe breaking its banks in places, with flooding around Barden Bridge near Bolton Abbey.

A spokesman said: "Please do not drive through flood water. Stay home, stay safe.

"Please contact your local council for sandbags as necessary."

The government has issued a flood warning for Bishop Monkton Beck between Ripon and Harrogate, meaning flooding is expected in the area.

Flood alerts - meaning flooding is possible - are in place at the Lower River Ure, Middle Nidd river catchment and the Upper River Ouse in North Yorkshire.

A flood alert has also been issued for the Lower River Wharfe, with flooding forecast to affect locations near the river, with low lying land expected to be most affected.

A flood warning for the Lower River Swale was removed last night.

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