UK Floods: River Thames reaches record water levels

Stock image. Photograph by Maxwell Hamilton

Gauges along the River Thames have recorded record levels, with flood waters expected to continue to rise as water flows into the river.

The Environment Agency has issued 16 severe flood warnings, 14 of those in the south east counties of Berkshire and Surrey.

Surrey Police have warned that 2,500 homes may be affected by the floods, and have urged people to “take precautions to protect themselves and their properties” and “cooperate with emergency services”.

The Environment Agency has also warned of rising water levels in Somerset, with two severe flood warnings in the area.

Paul Gundersen, Met Office Chief Meteorologist, said:

“Monday is expected to bring a brief respite from the stormy conditions before more strong winds and rain set in from the west on Tuesday.

This will bring the continuing risk of flooding and damaging winds bringing down trees to cause disruption to travel and power networks.”

The Environment Agency has come under increasing criticism in recent days over the way it has handled the recent floods, but its chairman Lord Smith has hit back at politicians looking to score political points and praised the “expertise and the professionalism” of his staff.