Flood warning: the official Government website this evening
After one of the wettest Februarys on record, the Government has tonight issued a flood warning for low-lying areas across the whole of south-east London, from the M25 at Caterham, through Kenley, Purley, South Croydon, Carshalton Beeches, all the way to the River Thames at Tower Bridge.
Several of the rivers and bournes which flooded so badly in 2014 – Caterham Bourne, Coulsdon Bourne and the River Wandle – are included in the warning.
The government website issued its warning just after 5pm.
“Groundwater levels in East Surrey and South London have been rising throughout the winter following higher than average rainfall.
“Levels continued to increase through most of February and early March in response to heavy rainfall and storm events.
“The Caterham Bourne between Woldingham and Purley is close to flowing. Properties with deep basements and low lying land in and around Purley and the Caterham Bourne may experience flooding.
Wash out: the flood warnings cover most of south London
“Riparian owners are reminded to keep clear the sections of river that flow through their land. Flooding of properties, gardens and low lying land elsewhere is not expected at this point in time.
“The Environment Agency is monitoring the situation alongside Surrey County Council, Tandridge District Council and the London Borough of Croydon.”
The warning looks to be in place for a week, with the website undertaking to update on the situation on March 13 “or sooner if the situation changes”.
There is a government Floodline for advice, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Telephone: 0345 988 1188
Textphone: 0345 602 6340
What we suggested in January: Purley and Coulsdon might be set for new Bourne adventure
- If you have a news story about life in or around Croydon, or want to publicise your residents’ association or business, or if you have a local event to promote, please email us with full details at inside.croydon@btinternet.com
- Our comments section on every report provides all readers with an immediate “right of reply” on all our content. Our comments policy can be read by clicking here
- Inside Croydon works together with the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, as well as BBC London News and ITV London
