Flash flood alert after heatwave

29/06/11

The Environment Agency and Met Office have warned that flash floods could hit parts of London, the south east and eastern England as heavy showers and thunderstorms are predicted following the heatwave.

People have been warned that parts of the country could face heavy rainfall and hail storms in the space of a few hours.

With up to 30mm of rain expected, the Environment Agency warned that rivers in the London Boroughs of Lewisham, Bromley, Greenwich and Croydon could overflow.

The agency also warned of possible surface water flooding in areas hit by heavy storms.

An Environment Agency spokesman said: "Environment Agency staff are on 24-hour alert and teams are monitoring river levels as the band of rain moves across the country.

“The public is encouraged to tune in to local media for weather forecasts for their area and to keep an eye out for signs of surface water flooding."