Significant surface water flooding is probable across London and parts of south-east England today due to heavy showers and thunderstorms.
Surface water flooding generally occurs after heavy rainfall in urban areas, when water cannot drain away or soak into the ground. It can happen very quickly and can be difficult to predict.
However the extremely dry conditions of recent weeks have meant that the ground is hard and compacted across the country, further increasing the risk of localised surface water flooding in all areas.
The Environment Agency has teams out on the ground ready to support local authorities in responding to potential floods and is urging the public to take care.
Neil Davies, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said:
Heavy, slow moving showers and thunderstorms are likely to lead to significant surface water flooding in London and across parts of south-east England today.
The Environment Agency is closely monitoring the situation, with our teams out on the ground and ready to support local authorities in responding to surface water flooding. We urge people not to drive though flood water – it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.
People should check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation at https://www.gov.uk/check-if-youre-at-risk-of-flooding or follow @EnvAgency on Twitter for the latest flood updates.
Local authorities are responsible for managing the risk of flooding from surface water. This includes planning for and responding to surface water flooding. We support them by sharing data and giving advice and guidance, helping shape their plans.
But responding to all kinds of flooding needs us and local authorities to work together. Just as we need local authorities’ support when we’re facing flooding from rivers or the sea, the Environment Agency will be out and about, offering practical assistance and advice during surface water flooding incidents.
You can check your flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation at https://www.gov.uk/check-if-youre-at-risk-of-flooding or follow @EnvAgency on Twitter for the latest flood updates.
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