Flash flood warnings issued for south east

It has warned businesses and households to be prepared as it works closely with emergency services across London, Sussex, Surrey and Kent. In particular, West Sussex has been badly affected, with Bognor in seeing up to 65mm since Sunday evening. Other areas have seen up to 30-50mm of rainfall.

EA south east regional director Howard Davidson, said: “Our teams have been working throughout the weekend to reduce flood risk where possible, clearing trash screens and blockages as well as working with those residents at risk to help them prepare as much as possible.

“We’ve had a lot of rain – some areas had a month’s rainfall in just 24 hours and unfortunately this has caused some surface water flooding to properties in the county. With more rainfall expected later today and with more unsettled weather forecast for the rest of the week, those at risk should take steps to limit the damage a flood can cause to themselves and their property.”

In Ceredigion, Powys and Gwynedd in Wales more than 1,500 people were forced to evacuate their homes after about 150mm of rainfall, twice the average for June, fell in a 24-hour period.

Carys Matthews