FOUR flood warnings were in place for the York area today - and it could get worse later in the week, forecasters predict.

Environment Agency warnings for footpaths alongside the River Ouse, in York, and the area between Bishopthorpe and St George's Field remain in place after being issued on Saturday morning. Warnings were also in operation for Naburn and Naburn Lock.

The North York Moors and the Vale of York areas were both on the lower level alert of flood watch, the agency confirmed.

The warnings were issued after torrential rain last week saw river levels rise, causing some footpaths and garages to flood in the Kings Staith and Skeldergate areas of York.

Forecasters say more heavy rain is not expected today or tomorrow, but bad weather would begin again from Wednesday.

A PA Weather spokesman said today would be blustery with some showers, the heaviest and most frequent being mainly on higher ground. Winds will ease tomorrow, he added, but heavy, persistent downpours are expected to return on Wednesday.

"It will be very unsettled and could cause more flooding," he said.

Updated: 10:03 Monday, October 25, 2004