Flood alerts have been reinstated for Colney Heath, London Colney and Radlett, with the Environment Agency (EA) today (Monday) warning that “the catchment is saturated”.
Alerts were issued last Thursday (7), then dropped a day later, and have since been issued again for the Upper River Colne and Tykes Water (Radlett Brook).
And Herts county council (HCC) has called upon residents to take care on local roads, by avoiding driving through flood water.
The EA said that river levels on the Upper River Colne, “continue to be higher than normal.
“The catchment is saturated and river levels have reacted to the heavy rainfall received last night.
“River levels will remain high today and are sensitve to any further rainfall.
“Some localised flooding to low-lying land near the river is likely.”
However, no flooding of property is expected.
The Environment Agency said that today’s forecast for this district is cloudy, with some scattered showers.
Following heavy rain overnight, floods have affected several areas across Herts.
HCC has asked people to take particular care on roads and allow more time for journeys.
Cllr Richard Thake, the authority’s cabinet member for community safety, said: “We’re not expecting widespread problems but we are asking residents to think ahead and take extra care when the weather is bad.”
Warning motorists against driving through flood water, the councillor said that even shallow water could cause serious damage to cars and just six inches could make a vehicle lose control or stall.
He said that although no weather warning had been issued, with rain forecast throughout the week there was a risk that sudden heavy downpours could lead to more localised flooding.
The county council, the fire and rescue service and HCC’s highways contractors, Ringway, do not provide sandbags to protect private property.
If you fear your home might be at risk of flooding and that sandbags - or any other form of flood defence - are needed, visit the National Flood Forum’s independent directory of suppliers at www.bluepages.org.uk and the Environment Agency’s website www.gov.uk/prepare-for-a-flood for further advice.
If water is entering your home, please call the fire and rescue service on 999. Fire crews will attend all reports of flooding, but calls will be prioritised with life threatening incidents and flooding affecting vulnerable people being dealt with first.
Residents can report any incidents of flooding or debris on the highway that they believe to be hazardous through HCC’s online fault reporting system at www.hertsdirect.org/highwayfaults
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