More than 3,000 homes are in imminent danger and are set to be evacuated as the worst floods to hit York for more than 100 years take hold.

Water levels on the Ouse are expected to peak at 17ft 7in above normal by 9am tomorrow morning, a press conference heard at around 5pm.

"It's going to be bad," said Police Superintendent John Lacy, in charge of tonight's emergency operation in York.

Motorists have been urged to keep off the city's roads so Army vehicles can get through with vital troops and equipment.

Extra military resources are being rushed to the city where the £7.5m flood defences are being severely tested.

An Army spokesman said: "We are calling in more personnel and cross-country ve-hicles which are expected in the city in the next few hours."

A City of York council spokesman urged residents to take the following precau-tions.

* Listen to radio announcements and to public announcements made on the ground

* Keep roads clear

* Take valuables to safety

* Wait for further information

Anyone in imminent danger (extremely serious cases only) should call the coun-cil's emergency hotline on 552999.

The most seriously affected areas are Leeman Road, Clementhorpe, Bootham Terrace and Marygate.

Severe flood warnings have been issued for Naburn, Acaster Malbis, Skeldergate, Acomb Landing to Leeman Road, Lower Ebor Street, the area around Bishopthorpe Road, Fulford and in York city centre from Clifton Bridge to Scarborough railway bridge.

There have been reports that the flood barrier has been breached, but so far these remain unconfirmed.

Lt Col Ian Cameron-Mowat, commanding officer of 2 Signal Regiment, said 120 troops are in the city at the moment and a further 150 would be arriving within hours from barracks across North Yorkshire.

"We are here to protect life and health and to assist with evacuation," he said.

"Our top priority is the evacuation of Leeman Road and, if necessary, to help maintain the flood defences."

He added tracked vehicles and eight-ton truck with high clearance would be used in the evacuation and army boats were being brought overland from Ripon.

* Hambleton residents were this evening issued with an emergency floodline number to call: 01609 767028 or 767029.