A number of new flood alerts and one flood warning were issued for areas of South West London on Monday (February 1) after further rainfall heightened the possibility of flooding in the region.

The government's Flood Information Service published a map featuring shaded orange areas of the Thames and the land surrounding it from Fulham through to Richmond and Kingston.

Orange flood alerts indicate flooding is possible in those areas in the immediate future.

Surrey Comet: Screenshot shows flood alerts and warnings in SW London near the ThamesScreenshot shows flood alerts and warnings in SW London near the Thames

Meanwhile, a more serious red flood warning was issued for Colne Brook, near Staines, Egham and Windsor, with the government department urging "immediate action" from residents and flooding "expected".

Regarding the amber alerts further downstream towards central London, a statement on the Flood Information Service website said:

"Flooding of roads and farmland is expected to continue overnight and into tomorrow, especially in the Kingston area.

"Further rainfall is forecast through the week. We expect river levels to remain high for the next few days.

"We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are in the area checking defences and operating weirs to reduce flood risk."

Similarly, in the service warned that flooding was also possible in areas of Thames Ditton, Walton, and Shepperton.

Speaking with the Surrey Comet, Environment Agency Spokesperson Peter O'Connor, described what residents could do to prepare themselves.

"If we say flooding is possible in any given area, then maybe get a bag together with medicines you need and so on.

"If we say it is expected, you've got to think about action: Moving furniture upstairs, moving cars away from flood water., that sort of thing."

O'Connor meanwhile commented on the growing number of floods in the area in recent years.

"If you're asking the question, why are we seeing more of this? The answer is that climate change is the main driver," he said.

"We are seeing more and more flooding which is connected to climate change.

"In the six years just gone we've spent £2.6 billion on flood defences, protecting about 336,000 properties, and we're just about to start another round of spending on flood protection for the next six years, which is £5.2 billion," the EA spokesperson pointed out.

For more information about flood alerts and warnings where you live, click here.