Torrential rain prompts flash flood fears

Firefighters are on standby after the Environment Agency and the Met Office issued warnings of flash floods across southern England.

The Met Office has issued two yellow severe weather warnings for the London and South East England and East of England regions, saying thundery showers could cause surface flooding.

There are fears that torrential downpours could see roads swamped by water if drains become blocked or overwhelmed, and homes and businesses could be flooded overnight.

The Environment Agency said it was monitoring the situation closely and was encouraging local authorities and emergency services to prepare for the possibility of surface water flooding.

The Met Office said a band of heavy rain is expected to last until lunchtime and could also affect the Midlands.

The weather is expected to clear on Wednesday before “heavy and persistent” rain returns to much of the UK on Thursday.

London Fire Brigade said it was prepared to swing into action to help rescue people trapped by flood water, pump water away and protect properties.

The Brigade has 16 fire rescue units, 11 of which are equipped with water rescue equipment like inflatable rescue boats, and six high volume pumps stationed at strategic locations across the capital.

Jim Knighton, the Brigade’s Assistant Commissioner for Operational Procedures, said: “We’re ready and waiting to help people who might be hit by flooding. Keeping people safe is our top priority but flooding can also devastate people’s properties and possessions so wherever possible we use sandbags to keep water out of people’s homes.”

Last week parts of the south coast were hit by floods after heavy downpours, with Portland in Dorset receiving almost the monthly average rainfall in just nine hours.

Vehicles were damaged, roads closed, and in Bournemouth, parts of the town centre were closed, including one street where a wall collapsed and ruptured a gas main, causing homes and businesses to be evacuated.