THE Environment Agency is preparing for thunderstorms across the South East tonight (Monday, April 30) following on from the heavy rainfall which affected most of country over the weekend.
More than 30 flood alerts were issued across the South East as rivers responded to rainfall of up to 40 mm in some places.
Environment Agency crews spent the weekend clearing trash screens, closing flood gates, operating flood storage areas, removing debris from known hotspots and warning and informing the public about the possibility of flooding over the weekend.
Teams are now monitoring river levels across the area and the weather front ahead of the predicted rainfall this evening.
South East flood risk manager Peter Quarmby said: “Our teams have been working round the clock throughout the weekend to ensure our flood defences remain intact and protect people, monitoring river levels, checking and operating flood defences and removing any blockages that may increase the risk of flooding. Our Floodline Warnings Direct service has kept those affected informed and allowed them time to prepare if the weather worsened.
“Unfortunately while the rainfall has been welcome for farmers and gardeners following the recent dry weather, it will take more than a few days of heavy rainfall to undo the effects of nearly two years of below average rainfall.”
Householders and businesses can monitor rising water levels during a potential flood at over 1,700 river and coastal locations across England and Wales online at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/riverlevels.
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