Some parts of the south-east have seen a month’s worth of rain fall overnight, with more expected throughout Monday
Firefighters are issuing a reminder about keeping safe during flooding after downpours saw roads and properties affected across the capital throughout the night.
London Fire Brigade’s 999 control officers took around 350 calls to flooding across London as firefighters attended incidents in areas such as Ruislip, Uxbridge, Wimbledon and Carshalton.
These included rescuing people trapped in cars, assisting people from their homes and responding to flooding in underground stations, roadways, residences and commercial properties. Control officers introduced batch mobilising to certain incidents, prioritising calls where there was a risk to life and attending other calls as non-emergencies.
Flood warnings remain in place for multiple areas across London and crews are continuing to respond to incidents utilising a range of equipment which can help rescue people trapped by flood water, pump water away and protect properties.
The Met Office has said that some parts of south-east England have seen a month’s-worth of rainfall overnight, with more expected over the next twelve hours. All of London remains under a yellow warning for rain until midnight, while parts of Hertfordshire also fall under an amber weather warning until 9pm.
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A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “As firefighters continue to work with partners to keep Londoners safe, it’s important to make sure you know what to do if you experience flooding.
“Firefighters carried out multiple rescues involving people trapped in cars throughout the night. If possible, please avoid driving into flooded water or a flooded area as vehicles can quickly become unstable in moving water.
“If you’re driving and your car becomes caught in flood waters, ensure you and your passengers unbuckle your seat belts and where possible climb out to safety.
“If you become trapped in your vehicle, turn on all the lights, including your hazard warning lights. Shout and sound your horn for help, and if you are able to reach your mobile, call 999.”
What to do when there is a flood
- Be alert – listen for weather warnings in your area. You can also check your flood risk online;
- Prepare a flood kit or grab bag containing essentials in case you have to leave your home;
- Protect your property using sandbags to limit water flow and if possible, move belongings to a higher level;
- Look out for your neighbours and make sure they know what to do, especially if they are vulnerable.
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