Extensive flooding has occurred across southern England as a result of a low-pressure system named Storm Aurore moving in from France, bringing up to 45mph winds in certain places.
On Wednesday night, the Environment Agency tweeted that heavy showers could cause localised surface water and river flooding. As the Met Office issued an amber weather warning for heavy rain across southern and eastern parts of England, the Essex Fire Service said they dealt with over a hundred weather-related incidents.
Due to debris and floodwater, the M23 was closed in both directions between J11 and J10 for some time, while the A272 was closed near Rogate, West Sussex due to a crash in floodwater and torrential rain has also resulted in the closure of multiple roads across the South-East.
Thameslink and South-eastern railway services are suspended between Dartford and Gravesend, as a landslide dumped 30 tonnes of debris on the railway line.
⚠️🌧 Update on #Greenhithe - we have workers and machinery removing the spoil and our plan is to finish that and a temporary retaining “wall” by the early hours of tomorrow morning. For now, @TLRailUK + @Se_Railway are suspended between Dartford and Gravesend. However... /1 pic.twitter.com/yClOHCUzXB
— Network Rail Kent and Sussex (@NetworkRailSE) October 21, 2021
BBC Weather reported that Knockholt – a village in Kent – had the highest levels of rainfall, receiving 58mm of rain.
The Met Office has issued several flood warnings, which mean that there is a chance of flooding, across West Sussex, East Sussex, Kent and Surrey. In addition, 60+ flood alerts, which mean flooding is expected, are in place across the same areas.
Meanwhile, the Thames Barrier reached a milestone, closing for the 200th time today, to avoid “widespread damage and disruption across the capital.”
If floodwater enters your home, the Essex Fire Service has advice on what to do:
⚠️ If floodwater is entering your home, and it is safe to do so:
— Essex Fire Service (@ECFRS) October 21, 2021
- Ensure your external drains are clear of debris
- Take everything upstairs or off the ground to prevent damage
- Turn electrics off#StaySafeEssex https://t.co/8SHpfF7pjC
Remember, always stay safe, and never take unnecessary risks.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here