Flood Warning: Groundwater flooding in South East London

Message Last Updated:
2024-04-10 13:10:00

Severity Last Changed:
2024-03-06 17:08:00

Groundwater levels in East Surrey and South London have been rising throughout the winter following higher than average rainfall. Levels continued to increase through most of February and until the second half of March in response to heavy rainfall and storm events during the previous month. The Caterham Bourne is in flow since mid-March and is still flowing in the Whyteleafe and Kenley area and the Environment Agency is monitoring the levels and flow of the Bourne in Kenley Bourne Park.

At times of very heavy rainfall, properties with deep basements and low lying land in and around Purley and the Caterham Bourne could still experience flooding. Riparian owners are reminded to keep clear the sections of river that flow through their land. Flooding of properties, gardens and low lying land elsewhere is not expected at this point in time.

The Environment Agency is monitoring the situation alongside Surrey County Council, Tandridge District Council and the London Borough of Croydon. We will update this message on Wednesday 17 April 2024, or sooner if the situation changes.