Residents and road users in Kingston are being warned over possible flooding in the area after heavy rainfall over night.

The government's Flood Information Service issued an alert early on Thursday morning (January 28) warning people in the area that flooding of several areas was possible.

The interactive map used by the service showed a number of low-lying areas coloured orange, indicating they were now at risk of flooding after the heavy rains that hit much of South-East England last night.

Surrey Comet: Orange areas under flood alerts in Kingston. Screenshot via Flood Information Service. Orange areas under flood alerts in Kingston. Screenshot via Flood Information Service.

In a statement accompanying the warning, a spokesperson for the service said:

"River levels are rising as a result of heavy rainfall overnight. Flooding of roads and low lying land is possible this morning from approximately 6am on Thursday 28 January 2021.

"We believe there is a possibility of flooding for low lying land and roads in Kingston-upon-Thames.

"We are closely monitoring the situation. Property flooding is not expected at this time, however, surface water impacts are also possible.

"Our incident response staff are out on the ground checking and clearing any blockages and debris from the river. Our incident response staff are prepared to respond if required."

Kingston has been hit by a series of flooding incidents after extended periods of rainfall in recent years.

Last August, torrential rains brought by Storm Francis flooded a number of low-lying parts of the town and forced road closures.

Extended periods of heavier rainfall and more frequent flooding are both expected to increase as the climate crisis worsens in the UK and around the world.

According to the Met Office:

"Several indicators in the latest UK State of the Climate report show that the UK’s climate is becoming wetter.

"For example the highest rainfall totals over a five day period are 4 per cent higher during the most recent decade (2008-2017) compared to 1961-1990.

"Furthermore, the amount of rain from extremely wet days has increased by 17 per cent when comparing the same time periods."

Meanwhile a study published in 2011 showed human influence on the global heating increased the risk of floods in England and Wales by at least 20 per cent and possibly up to 90 per cent.