Storm Darragh Causes Widespread Disruption Across Yorkshire

Storm Darragh has caused considerable disruption across Yorkshire, affecting travel and resulting in the cancellation of events. Christmas markets throughout the region, including those in York and Leeds, were closed on Saturday due to high winds, with expectations for them to reopen on Sunday. The River Esk overflowed its banks at Danby and Lealholm. The North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service was dispatched to Castleton following a report of a person trapped in a vehicle in floodwater. Flood warnings remain in effect across North Yorkshire, and yellow weather warnings for wind are also active for the entirety of Yorkshire until 18:00 GMT on Sunday. At Castleton, the water level reached 2.86m (9ft 4in); property flooding is a possibility when levels surpass 2.50m. On Saturday afternoon, wind gusts exceeding 50mph (80km/h) were registered at Topcliffe, near Ripon, and Leeming, impacting numerous travel routes. Cross Country train services passing through Sheffield and Leeds experienced delays of over an hour on Saturday, attributed to speed restrictions implemented on the railway lines. Additionally, LNER services bound for London also faced disruptions. York City Council issued a warning on Saturday evening, advising residents to stay away from riverside paths. An active flood alert covers the North Yorkshire coast, spanning from Whitby to Filey. Gusts exceeding 70mph were recorded along this coastal stretch on Saturday night.