Torrential downpours spark more flood warnings
Severe weather and persistent downpours in the UK, particularly in southern England have caused localised flooding and raised fears of more, with many areas receiving up to an inch of rain.
The Environment Agency had 10 flood warnings in place in England and Wales overnight, all in the Anglian area, and 65 flood alerts, including 26 in the Anglian area and 28 in the South East.
Flood warnings mean flooding is expected and immediate action required; flood alerts mean flooding is possible and people should be prepared. Words: PA
The River Ravensbourne in Lewisham, south-east London, burst its banks and water poured on to surrounding roads affecting an area of around 1,800 square metres yesterday, the London Fire Brigade said.
Around 21 firefighters and officers pumped the water away from homes and businesses in the area and back into the river but further downstream.
Loampit Vale Road was flooded as was a nearby shop, but no residential homes. Crews managed to stop the water reaching nearby Lewisham DLR station, which remained open.
Station manager Bruce Grain, who was at the scene said: "At first, firefighters were standing in about half a metre of flowing water using specialist pumps to divert the water flow away from the road, shops and homes. Crews worked quickly and the water level has now subsided."
Nick Prebble, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, said: "In the 12-hour period from 6am to 6pm (yesterday), the highest rainfall was at Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, where there was 25mm, which is almost an inch.
"There was in excess of 10mm in many places from East Anglia down to Hampshire.
"The good news is that the rain, which moved in from the south, is clearing to the east and Monday is looking a better day, in most areas, after a chilly start, while rain expected on Tuesday into Wednesday is not expected to be as heavy as today."
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