The flood alert covers multiple major towns near the border with Berkshire
Images of the River Bourne is spilling over in Chertsey from 2014(Image: Charlotte Johnson)
Residents of Surrey and Berkshire are being told to “be prepared” as a flood alert has been issued for the River Bourne, covering an area with multiple major towns in the northeast of Surrey alongside the south of Berkshire.
The alert states that flooding is possible today (Tuesday, December 9) in the Surrey towns of Chertsey, Egham, Thorpe, Virginia Water and Weybridge as the Environmental Agency (EA) has issued an alert for the region.
According to the alert, flooding in these areas is possible due to recent rainfall, which has caused rising water levels on the River Bourne.
The Environmental Agency (EA) issued this alert at 7am on December 9, warning the people of these areas to avoid using low lying footpaths as well as any bridges near local watercourses.
Environmental Agency has provided a map of the areas that could be affected by flooding (Image: Environmental Agency)
Describing the situation in the area, the EA alert states: “Flooding of low lying land and roads is expected today, especially in the Free Prae Road area on the River Bourne.
“This is in response to recent rainfall. Further heavy rainfall is forecast all day today, with dryer weather tonight and tomorrow. We expect river levels to rise until this evening, December 9, 2025, then start to slowly fall.”
The Environmental Agency has said that they are closely monitoring the situation and will update the public on the risk of flooding on Wednesday morning (December 10), or sooner, if anything changes.
The region this alert has been issued to extends across the River Bourne, into areas of Berkshire such as South Ascot and Sunningdale.
This has been classed as by the EA as a flood alert, as opposed to the agency’s more severe categories of ‘flood warning’ and ‘severe flood warning’.
This means minor roads, fields and farmland, alongside recreational land and carparks may be at risk of flooding.
If you live in the area of this flood alert, the Environmental Agency (EA) has said that you should:
Be ready to follow your flood planHave insurance documents and any medications readyAvoid walking, cycling or driving through any flood waterMove any livestock and farming equipment away from areas likely to flood
To find our what to do during a flood, visit the Environmental Agency’s (EA) webpage on the matter here: www.gov.uk/help-during-flood.
For more information and help during flooding in your area, you can contact Floodline 24 hours a day, seven days a week on telephone at 0345 988 1188 or text at 0345 602 6340.