Nottinghamshire County Council declares major incident due to flooding

One of the flooded areas is Gunthorpe

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

Nottinghamshire County Council said peaks on the river could come close to the highest on record from 2000.

The council's tactical co-ordination group met on Thursday as a number of road closures and flood alerts remain in place.

Residents in at-risk areas are urged to prepare in case they need to evacuate.

• Live updates: Flood problems continue in the East Midlands

The council said key tributaries that feed into the River Trent - including the River Derwent, the River Soar and the River Dove - had reached their peaks, so high water levels would now pass down the Trent.

This is likely to lead to more flooding to properties and roads, the authority says.

Residents in areas along the Trent Valley have been told to prepare for flooding.

These markers on Trent Bridge in Nottingham show how high the river is compared to previous floods

A number of roads remain closed due to flooding, including the A6097 at Gunthorpe, Wilford Lane at Compton Acres and the A617 at Kelham.

The council has asked people to avoid these areas, unless it is for essential travel.

Councillor Neil Clarke, cabinet member for transport and environment, said water levels were expected to peak in the River Trent on Thursday evening.

Speaking to BBC Radio Nottingham, he said: "We have already evacuated some communities - some low-lying areas - but as the levels are still rising, it is important people are aware and take precautions."

Residents in Gunthorpe sourced their own traffic cones and a barrier to block the road

Storm Henk hit the UK on Tuesday, bringing winds of up to 81mph (130km/h) and heavy rain, with travel seriously affected.

Thursday has brought another day of disruptive weather, with hundreds of flood alerts and warnings in place, and a Met Office yellow warning for rain covering the south of England came into force at midday and will last until 03:00 GMT on Friday.

In Gunthorpe, on Thursday, residents sourced their own traffic cones and a barrier to block the road as motorists attempted to drive through the flood waters, with many having to be rescued.

A BBC Radio Nottingham reporter said he saw a heated moment, in which a 4x4 driver ignored flood wardens and drove through temporary barriers.

Sam Skidmore and his children travelled down their lane in a canoe

In Radcliffe Park, homes were evacuated with three fire engines attending due to concern for at least a dozen properties.

Meanwhile, a family in Trent Side, Barton-in-Fabis, travelled down their lane in a canoe on Thursday.

Sam Skidmore, who moved to a house on stilts with his wife and their six children in September, said: "We put all the kids in a canoe and go up and down the lane. The kids love it."