Storm Chandra: ‘More flooding expected'

Communities in South East England have been told to expect heavy rain and potentially more flooding. An Amber weather warning has also been issued for the South West as Storm Chandra approaches the UK.

Dr Jess Neumann, associate professor in Hydrology at the University of Reading, said: “Parts of southeast England are bracing for their third wave of flooding in only 2 weeks. A weather warning for heavy rain is due to come into effect on Monday night and through Tuesday with 30-50mm of rainfall expected. 

“Residents in parts of Surrey have already battled their way through two flood events in the past fortnight with some properties requiring flood barriers and pumps to stay safe. 

“Relatively moderate amounts of rain are all that are needed to push river levels back into serious flood conditions. The soils are saturated, everything is waterlogged, there is no capacity for the natural ground to absorb more rainfall - the only place it can go is down to the river. 

“Wastewater treatment works on the River Mole in Surrey have already discharged more than 1,000 hours of sewage directly into the river during the recent wet weather. E.coli levels are at least ten times over “safe” limits according to local charity River Mole River Watch, who tested the water this past weekend across the catchment. 

“Local communities should check their flood risk online and sign-up to the free early-warnings and alerts. Being prepared for flooding is essential to reduce the impacts. Seemingly small actions such as knowing how to turn off your gas and electricity, moving valuables out of harms way, and having a flood kit with torches, blankets, medicines and home insurance details can help reduce the physical and emotional toll that flooding takes.”

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