SupplyA major event has been declared due to widespread flooding in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said it had received more than 200 calls on Monday morning.
Crews attended to evacuating flooded cars, residents from homes and rising water levels.
At 11:48 GMT, the fire service said 17 people had been rescued so far.
Assistant Chief Fire and Rescue Officer Judy Beresford said: “Flooding poses a serious threat to life and property, and we urge everyone to take these warnings seriously.
“Our control room and staff are working tirelessly to help those in need and keep people safe.
“We are working with our partners to mitigate the impact of this major event and ask the public to avoid flooded roads when traveling and to never enter floodwaters.”