The Government has warned Brits of the risk of flooding, with 30 alerts currently in place, as one month’s rainfall is expected to batter the UK in just a few hours
Multiple flood warnings have been issued following torrential downpours which have resulted in rising river levels and dangerous surface water left behind.
Currently, 30 flood alerts are in place across the south of England including Canterbury, Swindon and Cambridge, as well as Luton and Winchester. While the rest of the country does not have any warnings, a notice has been issued to make sure locals are ready to act in case of heavy rain.
Flooding is likely tonight as nearly one month’s rainfall is expected to batter the UK in just a few hours, the Met Office said. Yellow weather warnings are in place for thunderstorms and rain throughout the evening as the Met Office is concerned about disruption to travel and infrastructure. Loss of power is likely, homes and businesses could be damaged and hail and lightning will become hazardous for many.
Writing on its website, the Met Office says: “An area of heavy rain is expected to move west across parts of England and then into Wales during today. There remains some uncertainty as to how far north or south this band of rain will be, but there is a small chance that it will become slow-moving over parts of the West Midlands and northwest England, as well as into Wales later this afternoon and early evening. Should this happen, then some places could see 40-60 mm of rain falling in three to six hours.”
Earlier today, the flood forecast published on the Government’s official website said: “Local flooding is possible but not expected from surface water for parts of North West England and the West Midlands today (Thursday). Properties may flood and there may be travel disruption.
“Local flooding is also possible but not expected more widely across England today (Thursday) and again on Friday and Saturday. Lands, roads and properties may flood and there may be travel disruption.”
Among the worst affected areas are East Surrey and South London where higher than average rainfall made river levels rise, reports the Daily Star. An official warning published by the Government on Tuesday says: “Groundwater levels in East Surrey and South London rose during the winter following higher than average rainfall. Levels continued rising until late March and remained high in April.
“The Caterham Bourne is in flow since mid-March and is still flowing in the Whyteleafe and Kenley area, and the Environment Agency is monitoring the levels and flow of the Bourne in Kenley Bourne Park. However, groundwater levels across the area have now started to fall, although some properties with deep basements in and around Purley and low-lying land near the Caterham Bourne could still experience flooding.
“Whilst property and garden flood risks have reduced, riparian owners are reminded to keep clear any sections of river that flow through their land. The Environment Agency is monitoring the situation alongside Surrey County Council, Tandridge District Council and the London Borough of Croydon. We will update this message on Thursday 23 May 2024, or sooner if the situation changes. Flood alert area: Areas at risk from Groundwater flooding including Caterham Bourne, Coulsdon Bourne, Beddington, Carshalton, Coulsdon, Kenley, Purley, South Croydon, Whyteleafe, Bromley, Bexley, Greenwich and Lewisham.”
Flood alerts in place across the UK:
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Ginge Brook
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Groundwater flooding in Bishops Sutton
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Groundwater flooding in Bramdean and Cheriton
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Groundwater flooding in Deane and Ashe in North Hampshire
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Groundwater flooding in East Kent
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Groundwater flooding in Flamstead
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Groundwater flooding in Hursley
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Groundwater flooding in Kimpton and Lilley Bottom
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Groundwater flooding in Kings Somborne and Little Somborne
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Groundwater flooding in Newmarket
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Groundwater flooding in Pitton, West Tytherley, Nether Wallop and Broughton
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Groundwater flooding in South East London
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Groundwater flooding in the Alton area
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Groundwater flooding in the Candovers and Old Alresford
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Groundwater flooding in the Great Shefford area
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Groundwater flooding in the Henley and Assendon area
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Groundwater flooding in the High Wycombe area
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Groundwater flooding in the Lambourn Valley catchment
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Groundwater flooding in the Leckhampstead area
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Groundwater flooding in Twyford and Hensting
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Groundwater flooding in Vernham Dean, Upton and the Bourne Valley
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Groundwater flooding in villages surrounding Andover
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Groundwater flooding in West Ilsley, East Ilsley, Compton, Chilton and West Hagbourne
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Nailbourne and Little Stour
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River Coln and its tributaries
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River Lambourn and its tributaries from Upper Lambourn down to Newbury
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River Leen, Day Brook and Tottle Brook in Nottinghamshire
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River Pang from East Ilsley to Pangbourne and Sulham Brook
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River Wye and The Hughenden Stream
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Tern and Perry catchments