Tidal and fluvial flooding
The Environment Agency issues flood warnings to those felt to be at risk of fluvial (i.e. flooding from rivers and brooks) or tidal flooding. These warnings are telephoned directly to individual properties using the Automatic Voice Messaging System (AVM). The same warning will also be passed to the Emergency Services, Local Authorities, local radio, media and other utilities.
Residents can obtain up to date flooding information on the Floodline 0845 9881188 or via the Environment Agency's flood pages. Information on the website is updated every 15 minutes.
There are four levels of alert as follows:
 Flood Watch
Issued when rivers are running or forecast to run, at or close to bank full with heavy rain fall expected or likely to continue. The warning will specify the river catchment and those areas likely to be affected.
Flooding of low lying land and roads is expected. Be aware, be prepared, watch out!
 Flood Warning
Issued when flooding of significant number of properties, road and large areas of agricultural and/or parkland is predicted. The warning will specify the river catchment and those areas likely to be affected.
Flooding of homes, businesses and main roads is expected. Act now!
 Severe Flood Warning
Issued when severe flooding is expected.
There is extreme danger to life and property. Act now!
 All Clear
Issued when flood water levels start receding, check all is safe to return, seek advice.
Flood watches or warnings are no longer in force for this area.
Flood warnings are also issued on ITV Teletext (page 154), BBC Ceefax (page 419) and on LBC News Radio (1152 AM or 97.3 FM).
Using historical flood data the Environment Agency have produced maps that show Flood Zones within the Borough. Many of these zones now benefit from flood defenses such as the Thames Barrier, raised embankments, weirs and sluices etc. You can use the Council's Geographical Information System (GIS) to see if your property falls within one of the Environment Agency Flood Zones.
Flash flooding from storms/heavy rain
Flooding from a severe thunder storm or heavy prolonged rain can occur almost anywhere within the Borough particularly if it is centred on an area with a hollow, coupled with gulleys/drains becoming blocked.
The responsibility for storm drains etc rests with Thames Water, and there are a number of flood alleviation schemes being undertaken by them across London, including in Wandsworth the Falconbrook relief scheme.
Whilst the Environment Agency and Thames Water have responsibility for measures to alleviate flooding by strengthening the river banks, improving storm relief drains etc, the ultimate responsibility for protecting a private residence or business lies with the owner of that property. Advice on how to protect a property is contained within the Environment Agency publications below:
 Preparing for a flood (421 kb)
During a flood (319 kb)
After a flood (240 kb)
Additional publications can be found on the Environment Agency website www.environment-agency.gov.uk; alternatively the Council holds a small supply of the following Environment Agency publications:
Preparing for Floods – Guidance on preparing homes / businesses for floods
Floodline Information Pack – A set of 6 flooding fact sheets
Flooding Information Sheet – Questions and Answers
Pets and Floods – Leaflet on how to care for pets during a flood
If you would like any of the above leaflets please contact the Emergency Planning & Business Continuity Co-ordinator.
Please note that Wandsworth Council is not able to issue sandbags to residents or businesses for defence of property.
Flooding and insurance In some cases, insurance companies may ask their customers to provide more information on the flood risk in their area. The Environment Agency is able to produce Insurance Related Requests for information (IRR) in the form of a letter. The letter will provide information such as the likelihood category of the area of land which your property is within and whether they have any schemes planned to improve the standard of protection in your area.
If your insurance company have specifically asked you to obtain an IRR, please call 08708 506 506 and ask to speak to the External Relation team for your area.
Please note that the environment agency charge £25 for this letter.
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