207 - York's flood defences are massive in scale. In several places in the city centre there are substantial concrete flood resistant walls (usually faced with brick or other materials to make them more attractive) and massive gates to allow access and which are normally folded away open. In times of threatened flood the gates are closed against the water.
The gates shown in the top frame are beneath the western arch of Lendal Bridge, and are here blocking part of the riverside walkway and cycle path. The lower frame shows the view over the gate. The depth of water here will be almost up to the shoulders of the woman in the top frame.
The latest update on the floods is that water levels are beginning to drop. The level at 4pm today was 4.53 metres above normal, down from the peak of 5.07 metres yesterday morning, so that's good news.
Thank you Ruth - it's been a fascinating few days, because this time round I've had plenty of time to see what is happening, and it's been amazing to see up close the way the authorities deal with this.
Thank you Pyrrhula - it is sad in some ways, but also a great success story because the effects have been minimised. Still work to do to improve the defences, but we are learning!
Thank you Bob - it is a road, but it only goes a short distance to a boathouse, so there is very little traffic. The cycle track then continues along the riverbank (the river is off to the right of this shot). The route is well used by cyclists and walkers.
Thank you Debra - it is a bit scary, but far less scary than it used to be without the defences!
Thank you Ruth - it's been a fascinating few days, because this time round I've had plenty of time to see what is happening, and it's been amazing to see up close the way the authorities deal with this.
Thnak you Netkonnexion - the floods have given a few unusual photo opportunities!
Thank you Pyrrhula - it is sad in some ways, but also a great success story because the effects have been minimised. Still work to do to improve the defences, but we are learning!
Thank you Brian - it has been fascinating to see the authorities deal with this up close.
Thank you Lizzy, glad you like them!
Thank you Caren, and than you for the fav! The floods may be a pain, but they have given some different photo opportunities!
Thank you Bob - it is a road, but it only goes a short distance to a boathouse, so there is very little traffic. The cycle track then continues along the riverbank (the river is off to the right of this shot). The route is well used by cyclists and walkers.
Thank you Roslyn, glad you like it!
Thank you Marie - the bridge arch makes a very nice frame.