More than 7,000 homes in the north of England are without power, and families in York are being asked to leave their homes and bring their valuables upstairs as the flood barrier is lifted.
According to The Environment Agency, flood water entered the Foss Barrier’s building which put the pumps in danger of shutting down due to electrical problems.
If they did get stuck in the down position the agency would not be able to release water back into the River Ouse, so they made the decision to lift them now, warning people to leave their homes.
Talking to Sky News, Environment Secretary Liz Truss said that their priority is to protect lives and homes.
"We've got Environment Agency staff on the ground, we've also got the Army ... making sure people have got the information they need."
Last night, vulnerable people were moved from around 2,200 homes with residents of some 3,500 houses being told to stay alert.
An extra 500 soldiers have been brought in to deal with the flooding in Yorkshire and Lancashire, and there are more than 20 severe flood warnings in England, Wales and Scotland.
Addressing the conditions, Prime Minister David Cameron has said the Government "will do everything [they] can to help people in this, their hour of need."
Road closures are currently in place, and the City of York Council are urging people to stay away:
Latest road closures in York. Please only travel to, or around, York if your journey is vital. pic.twitter.com/sRD9eUOIuq
— City of York Council (@CityofYork) December 27, 2015
