In the wake of Storm Henk, Nottinghamshire finds itself grappling with a severe flood situation, leading to the declaration of a major incident. The aftermath has left firefighters aiding residents in Radcliffe on Trent to evacuate their homes as the Radcliffe Residential Park faces encirclement by rising waters.
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Rising River Levels Prompt Major Incident Declaration
This Thursday, January 4, the Nottinghamshire and Nottingham Local Resilience Forum declared a major incident due to escalating river levels along the River Trent. As Storm Henk continues to wreak havoc, static homes in Radcliffe on Trent, situated beside the River Trent, are at risk. The situation remains critical as the river is yet to reach its peak.
Nottingham City and Key Locations Submerged
The impact of the flooding extends to Nottingham city, where the Powerleague Nottingham complex off Thane Road is almost completely submerged. Bookings have been canceled, and public transport faces disruptions, with buses diverting from regular routes, causing delays for drivers.
Road Closures and Travel Warnings
As a result of the floods, several key roads, including the A6097 at Gunthorpe, Wilford Lane at Compton Acres, and the A617 at Kelham, have been closed. Nottinghamshire County Council urges residents to avoid these areas unless travel is essential. The flood situation is severe, with the council advising against driving through floodwater and emphasizing the gravity of the declared major incident.
Nottinghamshire Residents Urged to Prepare for Potential Evacuations
The latest forecasts indicate that the peaks along the River Trent could approach the highest levels recorded in 2000. Nottinghamshire County Council and partner agencies are urging residents in Trent Valley areas to prepare for potential flooding. Tributaries like the River Derwent, River Soar, and River Dove have already peaked, exacerbating the risk to properties and roads along the River Trent.
Emergency Support and Precautionary Measures
Councils, emergency services, and the Environment Agency are providing emergency support to affected communities. Residents in flood-risk areas are advised to have preparations in place for potential evacuations. The situation remains dynamic, with continuous updates on flood alerts and warnings available on the county council’s website.
Severe Weather Across the UK Adds to National Crisis
As Nottinghamshire faces this major incident, the broader UK grapples with heavy rain and widespread flooding due to Storm Henk. Residents have been evacuated from hundreds of homes, and the impact is felt across various counties, including Worcestershire, Bedford, Northamptonshire, Shropshire, Gloucestershire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, North Yorkshire, and Sussex.
Rail Disruptions and Health Alerts
The adverse weather conditions have led to significant disruptions in rail services, with multiple routes closing. The UK Health Security Agency has issued a cold weather alert for all parts of England, anticipating colder temperatures over the coming days.
In these challenging times, residents are urged to stay informed, follow safety guidelines, and seek immediate assistance in case of emergencies. The aftermath of Storm Henk underscores the importance of preparedness and collective resilience in the face of natural disasters.
