Flood warning issued for River Thames across Richmond

The warning was sent out earlier today (Wednesday, April 28) and covers swathes of Richmond including parts of Twickenham, Teddington and Mortlake.

As spring tides cause river levels to be higher than usual, people should prepare for flooding on low-lying roads and footpaths.

A recent statement posted by the Flood Information Service read:

“The forecast high tide at Richmond will be 4.88mAOD at 16:45 on 28/04/2021.

“Flooding of low-lying roads and footpaths is expected, which may exist for one to two hours either side of high tide. Flooding of properties is not expected.

⚠️ High tide expected on the #Thames this afternoon.

I’ve updated our Flood Alert between #Putney and #Teddington for this afternoon, and will update again once a decision has been made about whether to close the #ThamesBarrier overnight due to a higher tide forecast. pic.twitter.com/21wcc6ZyIQ

— Alan - Flood Forecaster @ The Thames Barrier (@AlanBarrierEA) April 28, 2021

“We believe there is a possibility of flooding for Putney Embankment (SW15), Chiswick Mall and Strand on the Green (W4), Thames Bank at Mortlake (SW14), Ranelagh Drive (TW1), Friars Lane and Water Lane (TW9), Riverside and The Embankment at Twickenham, and the Towpath below Teddington Lock.

“Astronomical tide levels are rising. The river flow at Teddington Weir is low for this time of year at 38 cubic metres per second and is steady.

“We anticipate the flows to remain low for the next few days. We are closely monitoring the situation.”

The Met Office expects more rains in the area over the coming days, with a high chance of rain over the Bank Holiday weekend in particular.