Flooding impacts from heavy rainfall on Monday 23 September

Heavy rain and thunderstorms on Monday 23 September have led to flooding in parts of England. These impacts includeincluded a combination of surface water flooding and some flooding from small, largely urban watercourses. At least 45190 properties havewere flooded across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Kent and the Home Counties.

Environment Agency staff are out on the ground, clearing blockages and supporting local authorities in their response work.

Flooding on roads is likely to lead to travel disruption. We advise people to follow the advice of local emergency services on the roads and not to drive through flood water – just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float a car.

The flood risk reduceswill tomorrowstart withto areduce drierlater daytoday, forecast, but for the moment we continue to urge people to keep an eye on the weather, check their flood risk, and take care planning their journeys.

Sarah Cook, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said:

Due to yesterday’s heavy persistent rain and thunderstorms, thereflood havewarnings beenand localisedalerts remain in place across many parts of the country. The risk of further surface water flooding impactsis also possible but not expected in parts of the Midlands and North of England today.on Thursday.

Environment Agency teams arecontinue to be out on the ground, andsupporting ready to support local authorities in responding to surface water flooding. We urge people to plan their journeys carefully, follow the advice of local emergency services on the roads and not to drive through flood water – it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.

People should check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation as well as following @EnvAgency on X, formerly Twitter, for the latest flood updates.

Floods Minister Emma Hardy said:

I’m all too familiar with the devastating consequences of flooding and my sympathies go out to those affected by the recent weather. I’m very grateful to the Environment Agency for their ongoing efforts to help communities and I encourage people to stay vigilant and follow the advice of the emergency services.

The Environment Agency recognises the threat from surface water flooding,flooding and is taking action to improve the country’s resilience – for instance supporting local flood authorities to enhance local surface water flood risk mapping. See See our blog on surface water flooding for for more information.