Twelve flood warnings have been issued after heavy rain and melting snow caused river levels to rise rapidly in West Yorkshire as Storm Bert sweeps through the region.

Warnings are in place for the River Calder around Hebden Bridge and Todmorden, where sirens have sounded.

The Environment Agency said river levels were likely to continue to rise until 1600 GMT in some areas, and people in affected areas were advised to consider moving their valuables upstairs. .

A yellow weather warning for rain and snow is in force across much of Yorkshire until 9am on Sunday, with wintry weather causing travel disruption and leaving around 1,500 homes without power on Saturday.

River levels at Todmorden and Hebden Bridge had exceeded 2.4m by 5pm, according to the Environment Agency website.

At Mytholmroyd the river level exceeded 4.3m. The agency said property flooding was possible in 4.4 million.

The Environment Agency said: “Our attention is focused on the Calder Valley, where flood warnings have been issued and sirens have sounded.

“Minor impacts are possible wider across Yorkshire, and may continue in places until Tuesday. The overall risk of flooding is low.

“Crews are on the ground, cleaning grates and checking flood defenses to ensure they are ready to respond if necessary.”

The agency added: “Consider taking appropriate steps to prepare for possible flooding, such as moving items upstairs and preparing to install flood protection equipment.”

The A646 Halifax Road, outside Hebden Bridge, has been closed in both directions.

Center Vale Park in Todmorden was closed as Calderdale Council said floodgates would be opened near the park to help manage river levels. People were advised to avoid the area.

Many pubs and businesses were closed in Hebden Bridge on Saturday due to the risk of flooding.

Hebden Bridge Flood Action Group said the town hall was open to anyone who found themselves stranded and needed somewhere to be warm and dry.

Earlier in the day, heavy snowfall caused difficulties for motorists.

On the M1, one lane was closed northbound between junction 38 for Huddersfield and junction 39 for Wakefield, with images on social media showing a HGV which appeared to have slid down an embankment towards the motorway.

West Yorkshire Police said the truck driver was uninjured and the road reopened at 10.15am after the vehicle was removed.

Meanwhile, Northern Powergrid said around 1,500 properties had lost power across North and West Yorkshire.

The company said it had “restored power as quickly as possible” to those affected.

Disruption continued at Leeds Bradford Airport, after its runway was closed earlier.

Several flights from the airport were heavily delayed, while passengers traveling to Warsaw and Belfast had their flights cancelled.

Some arrivals were also diverted to other UK airports, while others were cancelled, according to the LBA website.

Train operator Northern said services between Todmorden and Hebden Bridge were unable to operate, while trains traveling from Leeds to Manchester Victoria terminated at Bradford Interchange.

On the sporting side, Bradford City’s match against Accrington Stanley and Halifax Town’s match against Sutton United were postponed due to the weather.

Scarborough Athletic’s match against Kidderminster Harriers has also been postponed.

“Particularly exposed parts” of the East Yorkshire coast, between Bridlington and Barmston, are covered by another flood alert.

Drivers and pedestrians in these areas are advised to exercise caution.

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