FLOOD alerts were issued in East London during the night after yesterday’s heavy rain. The alerts were first raised by the Environment Agency at 9.50pm.

By Mike Brooke

FLOOD alerts were issued in East London during the night after yesterday’s heavy rain.

The alerts were raised by the Environment Agency at 9.50pm.

Part of the Lea was on flood watch’ while the River Ching was on alert’ when it was in danger or bursting its banks near Highams Park in Chingford.

Nine rivers across the Thames region were on a flood watch’ precaution because of the heavy downpour earlier, with water levels rising. These were mostly in south London and Surrey as well as tributaries in west London.

RISK

“We are urging the households to be aware of the possible risk of local flooding in some areas, particularly south east London,” said the agency’s Flood Incident boss Lee James. “But we are not currently anticipating property flooding from rivers.”

Meanwhile, agency officials have been out in vulnerable low-lying areas checking flood defenses and clearing culverts of any debris to allow them to cope with any further rain forecast. Teams have been out during the night at several sites clearing rubbish.

The situation is continuing to be monitored throughout today (Tuesday).

The outlook: A band of slow moving rain with some heavy and thundery downpours is expected later this afternoon (Tues). These will slowly die away by this evening. Roads and low lying areas could be flooded, the agency warns.