WINDS of up to 50 miles an hour and persistent rain were expected to hit North and East Yorkshire today, after a weekend in which bad weather lashed the country.

Dozens of flood warnings were in place across Britain, including the River Ouse in York city centre and Naburn Lock, as gales were forecast to return.

Flood watches were also in place in the Vale of York and Nidderdale and Wharfedale.

In York, heavy rain moved in from the south west, accompanied by gusts of up to 50 miles an hour.

Updated: 14:52 Monday, February 04, 2002