500 people evacuated from homes near River Idle in Retford in Nottinghamshire

Nottinghamshire County Council declared a major incident as it told people in Retford they were at risk over high water levels along the River Idle. Credit: PA

Two severe flood warnings have been issued for a Nottinghamshire town, meaning there is "a danger to life."

Residents of 500 homes in Retford have been told the evacuate due to the emergency situation.

It comes after a major incident was declared for Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

On Sunday (22 October) the severe flood warnings were issued to Retford after the town has experienced large amounts of flooding following the heavy rainfall of Storm Babet.

The Environment Agency has warned that flooding from major rivers could continue until Tuesday Credit: PA

There are currently more than 60 flood warnings across Nottinghamshire where flooding is expected, and an additional 24 flood alerts where flooding is possible.

Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council and MP for Mansfield, Ben Bradley, issued an update on X, stating: "There is a severe flood warning in place around the River Idle in Retford, which continues to rise.

"There are several hundred properties at risk of flooding, and Police, Fire and other agencies are present supporting families."

A man checking sand bags outside his home in an area seen as 'posing a threat to life.' Credit: PA

Bassetlaw District Council said in a statement: "People in parts of Retford are advised to evacuate their homes after severe flood warnings are issued.

"The warnings apply to communities along the River Idle at Retford, Eaton and Gamston as well as West Retford and Ordsall. This Severe Flood Warnings have been issued because of flooding in Thrumpton, Retford, as a result of Storm Babet.

"Residents are advised to prepare to evacuate. Flooding continues and is set to worsen with record levels expected. A severe flood warning means there is a threat to life and is the highest level of flood warning that can be issued.

Firefighters in Derbyshire evacuated up to 250 homes in Sandiacre, as the storm caused significant damage in the village on the Nottinghamshire / Derbyshire border.

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"Areas most at risk are Poulter View, Meden Way, New Inn Walk, Thrumpton Close, Maun Close, Thomas Street, George Street, Swans Quay and Gala Way."

A spokesperson for Nottinghamshire County Council said: "We are working closely with our partners to support people to evacuate their homes to a rest centre at Retford Leisure Centre. Please do not ignore the warnings. This is the highest level of warning meaning a threat to life."

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