Heavy rain is forecast for the rest of this week Met Office weather chart
As the flooding continues to cause chaos in the Thames Valley, the Environment Agency has warned of heavy rain expected today (Wednesday) and, as a result, more misery.
Showers are expected to continue until early evening.
More rain is forecast by the Met Office for Thursday afternoon, Friday daytime and evening and Saturday until early afternoon.
With temperatures low and a high wind chill, some of the showers may turn wintry at time – particulary Thursday early morning. They are not expected to fall below freezing, so it is unlikely to freeze over.
The EA reports that around 70 properties have flooded along the River Thames and, a spokesperson adds, that figure is expected to rise.
They said: “Flooded communities include Datchet, Wraysbury and Chertsey. Windsor and Maidenhead in Berkshire and parts of Surrey are at risk.”
Paul Leinster, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, said: “Our hearts and sincere sympathy go out to those who have already experienced flooding. Our teams will continue to work around the clock to protect lives, homes, businesses, communities and farmland over the coming days.
“We are also supporting multi-agency command centres, normally led by the police, across the country as part of our work with a wide range of partners including the military, local authorities and the emergency services.
“Stormy weather will continue to threaten communities this week, with further flooding expected along the Thames in Berkshire and Surrey. River levels are high across south west, central and southern England, and further rain has the potential to cause significant flooding.
“I urge the public to sign up to our receive free flood warnings, check their flood risk, and keep up to date with the latest situation on the Environment Agency website and on social media using #floodaware.”
Thames Valley Police have also been busy as they have attempted to helped affected communities, particularly in the worst-hit areas of Datchet and Windsor.
ACC John Campbell, gold commander for the policing operation around the on-going flooding in Thames Valley, said: “Thames Valley Police has dedicated a significant number of officers across our Force area to assist in flood relief efforts and provide support to our local residents.
“There is an enormous amount of work going on across the Thames Valley to try and alleviate the flooding and put measures in place to help those that have been affected.
“We are working very hard to help people and we will do everything we can to try and restore things back to normal as quickly as possible.”
He also responded to rumours about looting taking place in flood-hit areas.
” I can state that there have been no reports to police that corroborate these rumours and additional officers have been deployed to flood affected areas to deter those who would look to exploit this situation to criminal ends,” he said.
Thames Valley Police has additional patrols in places affected by floods to provide reassurance to the communities.
ACC Campbell added: “We currently have officers on patrol in communities, in particular, in those which have been worst affected by flooding. Our additional resources will remain in these locations until the situation improves.”
Thames Valley Police encourages members of the public with concerns to contact the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre by calling 101. The centre is open 24 hours a day. If it is an emergency, then you should call 999.
