YORK'S River Ouse has fallen by this evening to 3.61 metres above normal summer levels - down from its peak of 4.4 metres in the wake of Storm Dennis on Monday.

But the Environment Agency has warned again that levels could return to a similar peak by the weekend after more heavy and persistent rain is forecast to fall in the Dales catchment on Friday and early on Saturday.

A spokeswoman said further rain was forecast from today through to Friday and then again at the weekend, and these frequent bands of rain could potentially trigger some further flood alerts and warnings.

“Already falling on saturated ground, this rain will cause levels to remain high and rise again in the lower catchments (Lower Swale, Lower Ure, Lower Nidd, and River Ouse)," she said.

"We could see similar levels to last weekend and we are monitoring the situation closely.

“We urge people to check their flood risk and sign up to free flood warnings at www.gov.uk/flood.”

Meanwhile, photographer Frank Dwyer's dramatic picture of a submerged Rowntree Park, taken earlier today, shows how the flooding has impacted on this popular riverside location for residents and visitors.