A flood alert has been put in place for River Trowlock Island on the River Thames.

Trowlock Island is a residential island in the River Thames 450 metres upstream of Teddington Lock and it is also home to the Royal Canoe Club.

While the flooding of people’s homes is not currently expected, it is warned that low lying land is anticipated to flood.

This flood alert is the first level of the Environment Agency’s flood warnings, which warns people to “prepare” by gathering “a bag that includes medicines and insurance documents” and to “check flood warnings”.

This warning is in place as a result of heavy rainfall that has hit south London recently.

The next hightide is at 4.15pm and is expected to be around 5m.

More than 140 flood warnings have also been issued across Britain by environment regulators, because saturated ground caused by recent wet weather means that even areas which avoid the worst of Tuesday’s deluge could be at risk of flooding.

The Environment Agency, which covers England, has issued 29 warnings, mostly clustered in Dorset where flooding is “expected”, along with 90 alerts across the country where flooding is “possible”.

For those worried about damage to their home, the National Flood Forum recommends finding out how to turn off your gas, electricity and water supplies, and keeping a list of useful contacts including for your GP and insurance company.

The charity also advises taking detailed photographs of your property before a flood occurs as evidence for any insurance claims, and in the event of a flood, checking on neighbours who could be elderly, disabled or have young children.

A government flood warning notice reads: “Property flooding is not currently expected. River levels are rising slowly on the River Thames as a result of heavy rainfall.

“Therefore, flooding of low lying land is expected.

“The forecast this evening and overnight is mostly dry.

“The next high tide at 4.15pm (09/01/23) is forecast to be approximately 5m - 5.2m.

“The following high tides tomorrow are not expected to result in flooding to low lying land and footpaths.

“Please remain safe and aware of your local surroundings and refer to the 'River and Sea levels in England's webpage for current river levels.”