Flood risk across West Yorkshire
West Yorkshire's steep Pennine valleys channel heavy rain into the rivers very quickly. On Boxing Day 2015 the Calder flooded Hebden Bridge, Mytholmroyd and Todmorden, and the Aire flooded Kirkstall and parts of Leeds. Defences have been built in both valleys since, and Storm Ciara flooded the Calder Valley again in February 2020.
Flood zones only show river and sea flooding, and they ignore flood defences. Surface water and reservoir risk aren’t part of the zones – check them on the Environment Agency’s long-term flood risk service, or get the full report, which covers every source.
Rivers that shape local flood risk
Main rivers are managed by the Environment Agency. Smaller watercourses and drainage are the responsibility of City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council and landowners.
River Calder – Todmorden, Hebden Bridge, Mytholmroyd and Wakefield
River Aire – Keighley, Shipley, Kirkstall and Leeds
River Wharfe – Ilkley, Otley and Wetherby
River Colne and River Holme – Huddersfield and Holmfirth
Hebden Water – Joins the Calder at Hebden Bridge
Who manages flood risk here
City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, Calderdale Council, Kirklees Council, Leeds City Council and Wakefield Council are the Lead Local Flood Authorities, responsible for surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses. The Environment Agency manages main rivers and the sea, and issues flood warnings. The same councils also decide planning applications – and asks for a flood risk assessment in Flood Zones 2 and 3.
Getting a written answer for an address
The free check describes the area around your postcode. For a specific property, the full report checks your exact address against every flood dataset and gives you a dated PDF to share with your surveyor, conveyancer or insurer.
For planning decisions, your local council has the final say.
