Flood alerts have been reinstated for several St Albans villages, with the Environment Agency warning that the River Colne is still rising after recent rainfall.

Herts Advertiser: A flooded River Ver off Drop Lane in Smug Oak covers over the stepping stones which are normally visibleA flooded River Ver off Drop Lane in Smug Oak covers over the stepping stones which are normally visible (Image: Archant)

The status of the Upper River Colne and Tykes Water (Radlett Brook) at Colney Heath, London Colney and Radlett was upgraded to a flood alert at about 7pm on New Year’s Day.

Today (Thursday) the agency said that flooding to lower lying land, roads and gardens next to the waterways was likely.

Surface water flooding could also be expected in some locations.

The agency has also late this afternoon issued a statement warning that more unsettled weather is expected to hit the south east over the next 24 hours.

A spokesperson said that the combination of recent heavy rain, saturated ground and high river levels meant that there was continued risk of river and surface water flooding across the south east.

There are currently, as of 5.30pm, 93 flood alerts and 10 flood warnings in place for the south east.

The change in status comes just days after flood alerts for the River Colne had been lifted, on Boxing Day, after being in place for three days.

Water levels have been rising elsewhere in the district, with streams and rivers also seen breaching banks in beauty spots in the likes of Bricket Wood.