The River Roding burst its banks in Wanstead and Woodford Green at the weekend in what has been described as some of the worst floods in more than 50 years.

The Environment Agency issued a warning on Saturday, December 21, for homes and roads along the River Roding in Redbridge, Woodford Green, South Woodford, Wanstead, Ilford, Barking and East Ham.

Ilford Recorder: Flooding in Wanstead. Picture: Paul DonovanFlooding in Wanstead. Picture: Paul Donovan (Image: Archant)

Flood warnings mean immediate action is required, while flood alerts indicate you need to be prepared.

Playing fields near the Orchard Estate in Woodford Green flooded and areas of Wanstead Park became impassable as heavy rain persisted throughout the weekend.

Paul Donovan, Wanstead village councillor, said: "I walked around the Ornamental Lake on Saturday and it was a bit like the tide coming in all around you.

Ilford Recorder: Flooding in Wanstead. Picture: Paul DonovanFlooding in Wanstead. Picture: Paul Donovan (Image: Archant)

"In a number of areas the river water was rising to meet the lake and flowing across the parkland.

Ilford Recorder: Flooding in Wanstead. Picture: Paul DonovanFlooding in Wanstead. Picture: Paul Donovan (Image: Archant)

"I've never seen it this bad in more than 50 years."

Ilford Recorder: Flooding in Wanstead. Picture: Paul DonovanFlooding in Wanstead. Picture: Paul Donovan (Image: Archant)

Ilford Recorder: Flooding in Wanstead. Picture: Paul DonovanFlooding in Wanstead. Picture: Paul Donovan (Image: Archant)

Ilford Recorder: The river reaching high levels in Woodford Green. Picture: Colin DrummondThe river reaching high levels in Woodford Green. Picture: Colin Drummond (Image: Archant)

Ilford Recorder: Flooding at Orchard Estate in Woodford. Picture: Colin DrummondFlooding at Orchard Estate in Woodford. Picture: Colin Drummond (Image: Archant)