Major incident declared in Nottinghamshire due to flooding

A major incident has been declared along the River Trent in Nottinghamshire due to flooding and the risk of further flooding caused by Storm Henk.

It hasn't peaked yet, but forecasts suggest it could reach record high levels set in the year 2000.

Several residents of Radcliffe Residential Park, an estate of static caravans for the over-55s just to the east of the city, were evacuated.

Caroline Douglass, the Environment Agency's flood director, said the Trent was at "some of the highest levels we've seen in 24 years".

She says more than 1,000 properties had been flooded across England this week, with that figure likely to increase.

She added: "We have had very wide rainfall.

"Over November and December, following Storm Babet and Storm Ciaran, the ground was incredibly saturated right across the country, particularly in the east.

"But also that's just been topped up over the pre-Christmas period. That rainfall from this week has just added to that, so there's really nowhere for the water to go.

"The ground is completely saturated so in that situation we get more flooding and greater impacts than we've seen and probably in areas where people aren't used to."

Elsewhere, a number of cows drowned in the village of Sawley, Derbyshire, prompting an animal welfare investigation.

Nottinghamshire County Council and its partner agencies are advising residents in areas along the Trent Valley to be prepared in case they need to evacuate.

The council say key tributaries which feed in to the River Trent, including the River Derwent, the River Soar and the River Dove, have already reached their peaks and high water levels will now pass down Trent.

They say it's likely to flood properties and roads.

**Advice**

• Only travel if necessary in flooded areas.
• Don’t ignore a flood warning or a road closure sign.
• Do not to enter flood water in case of hidden hazards such as lifted manhole covers.
• Stay away from swollen rivers and flood water.
• Looking out for vulnerable friends, relatives and neighbours.
• Check road closure information on the county council’s website.
• Keep up-to-date with flood warnings and alerts in your area
• Read advice on preparing for a flood and what to do during a flood: https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/planning-and-environment/flooding-help-and-advice

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