York was bracing itself this afternoon for the worst flooding of the year.

The York Flood Group was meeting for only the second time since 1995 to discuss the worsening situation.

There was some flooding in York today as prolonged downpours over the weekend swelled the River Ouse.

Caroline Hickey, manageress at York riverside pub The Lowther, said: "We're asking the council for sandbags because the water is coming in the cellar. But we will be open as usual."

King's Staith and Queen's Staith were covered by the swollen Ouse.

City of York Council took the decision to close all its public parks as a safety measure in response to today's poor weather.

A city council spokesman said: "We have had no reports of any damage, but the wind appears to be picking up and we feel this is the right decision to take to ensure public safety."

Wind was responsible for more damage in York as trees blew down in Burnholme Drive and Wigginton Road.

Environment Agency officials expected the River Ouse to peak at 4.6 metres above normal at 8.45am tomorrow.

The agency had flood warnings in place on five stretches of the River Ouse in York, as well as two on the River Ure and one on the River Nidd.

The Ouse warnings applied between Clifton Bridge and Fulford, between Ouse Bridge and Rowntree Park, also at Naburn, Naburn Lock and between Ouse Bridge and Bishopthorpe.

The Ure warnings were between Aldwark Bridge and Thorpe Underwood and at Milby Island, near Boroughbridge, while the Nidd warning was between Hunsingore and Cattal.

Environment Agency officials closed the Foss Barrier in York to minimise flooding in the city centre.

They also operated the sluice gate at Stamford Bridge, on the River Derwent, so water could bypass the weir to reduce river levels up stream.

Meanwhile, part of the Coppergate Centre in York was closed after a roof tile was blown off a building.

Cordons prevented shoppers from getting to four shops. including Thomas the Baker, Thorntons, Starbucks and Clinkard Charles Ltd.

The shops were open again by early afternoon.

Villagers in Stockton-on-the-Forest, near York, were without electricity for half an hour this morning.

On the roads, the B1228 between Elvington and Sutton-upon-Derwent was closed after Elvington Beck overflowed.

In the north of the region, the A170 Thirsk to Helmsley road at Sutton Bank was closed for an hour and a half because of snow. It was reopened by 11.30am.

The region was lashed by torrential rain and snow today.

Thick snow fell in Harrogate, and six inches was reported in the Yorkshire Dales.