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Environment Agency warns thunderstorms and heavy rain across south east could lead to flooding

Thunderstorms could cause heavy rainfall bringing a risk of localised flooding to some parts of south-east of England.

Thunderstorms will bring heavy rainfall to SE England

Thunderstorms will bring heavy rainfall to SE England

Environment Agency is warning people that heavy rainfall overnight (Wednesday) into Thursday morning, and intermittently through to Friday morning, could bring a risk of localised flooding for some parts of south-east of England, particularly in parts of Kent, East Sussex and Brighton & Hove.

The Environment Agency is monitoring the situation closely and will issue flood warnings and alerts where necessary. Our teams are out on the ground working with partners to reduce the risk of flooding and we are supporting local authorities who will respond to reports of surface water flooding.

Doug Wilson, Environment Agency Flood Risk Manager, said:

Thunderstorms are expected to bring heavy rain at times across the south east overnight (Wednesday) into Thursday morning, and intermittently through to Friday morning, which may lead to surface water flooding in some communities, and significant disruption to travel, particularly in parts of Kent, East Sussex and Brighton & Hove. There is also a risk of flooding from smaller, faster responding rivers in built-up areas.

Environment Agency teams are out on the ground clearing screens, monitoring the situation and will issue flood warnings and alerts where necessary. We are supporting local authorities which are responding to surface water flooding. We urge people not to drive though 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 and keep up to date with the latest situation at www.gov.uk/check-if-youre-at-risk-of-flooding or follow @EnvAgency, and #floodaware on Twitter for the latest flood updates.

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Published 22 June 2016