There are currently warnings from the Environment Agency for multiple rivers in Surrey
An image of the high River Mole at the bottom of Box Hill in February 2020(Image: Grahame Larter / SurreyLive)
Residents of Surrey have been told to “be prepared” as flood alerts have been issued for multiple rivers across the county as Storm Goretti brings heavy rainfall to the South East.
The alerts warn that flooding is possible today (Friday, January 9) in areas in and around Dorking, Leatherhead, Fetcham, Stoke D’Abernon, Cobham and Horley as well as in Virginia Water, Thorpe Green and Chertsey further west.
The Environment Agency (EA) has said flooding is possible this afternoon on the River Mole and its tributaries spreading across Surrey and West Sussex.
While in the west of the county, flooding is a possibility on the Chertsey Bourne.
Around both rivers the EA expects flooding to be most likely on the low lying land and roads and has told the public to “take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water”.
Flooding of the River Mole in Leatherhead from back in November 2024(Image: Surrey Advertiser)
Yesterday, the agency told the public what they are expecting on the Chertsey Bourne, saying: “Rising river levels overnight may lead to flooding. Flooding is possible from the evening of January 8, 2026.
“Locations most affected will be low lying land and roads near rivers, particularly in the Free Prae Road area of Chertsey. Further light rainfall is forecast overnight. We expect river levels to remain high throughout the night and into tomorrow.”
There are currently two flood alerts for the River Mole, one for the lower sections of the river, around Dorking, Leatherhead and parts of Elmbridge and another for the upper sections, around Gatwick and Horley.
In both alerts, the EA warns that flooding is most likely to happen during Friday afternoon (January 9). In the Upper River Mole, the agency expects that flooding will have the most significant impact around Horley.
The alerts are due to be updated if the situation changes on these rivers, or by 6.30pm tonight, the EA has said.
These are classed by the EA as flood alerts, 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.