Flooding is 'expected' in parts of Richmond closest to the River Thames to Tuesday morning (June 29) amid heavy rains and a high spring tide.
After a downpour soaked London on Sunday evening, the government's Flood Information Service posted a flood alert for the 'Tidal Thames riverside from Putney Bridge to Teddington Weir'.
They pointed out that high tides were expected in the area between 6pm on Monday (June 28) and 4am on Tuesday and said that some low-lying areas would likely see some surface water.
A statement on the government agency's website read:
"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.
"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."
⚠️ Yellow weather warning is now in force ⚠️
— Met Office (@metoffice) June 28, 2021
Thunderstorms across southern England
Monday 1200-2200
Latest info 👉 https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs
Stay #WeatherAware⚠️ pic.twitter.com/Q4KQupsK22
However, the information service added that "astronomical tide levels" were "normal for this time of year" in the area.
"We anticipate the flows to remain normal for the next few days. We are closely monitoring the situation," the statement continued, with an update expected on Tuesday morning at 11am.
Environment Agency Spokesperson Peter O'Connor previously told Newsquest South London that the higher frequency of flooding in recent years was a direct result of the climate emergency.
"If you're asking the question, why are we seeing more of this? The answer is that climate change is the main driver," he said.
"We are seeing more and more flooding which is connected to climate change.
"In the six years just gone we've spent £2.6 billion on flood defences, protecting about 336,000 properties, and we're just about to start another round of spending on flood protection for the next six years, which is £5.2 billion," the EA spokesperson pointed out.
The Met Office too indicates the presence of more and more flooding in the UK as the planet heats up, sea levels rise and the climate in certain regions becomes hotter and wetter.
"For example, the highest rainfall totals over a five day period are 4 per cent higher during the most recent decade (2008-2017) compared to 1961-1990.
"Furthermore, the amount of rain from extremely wet days has increased by 17 per cent when comparing the same time periods," a spokesperson for the authority said previously.
For more information about flood alerts and warnings where you live, click here.
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