Communities in the south east including St Albans have been urged to be aware of the potential for groundwater flooding over the weekend, with further heavy rainfall forecast for this afternoon.

The Environment Agency (EA) recently issued a flood alert for Upper River Colne in Colney Heath and London Colney, and Tykes Water (Radlett Brook) in Radlett.

At about midday today (Friday) the agency said that while overnight levels of the River Colne had “steadied” they remain high.

The EA added: “There is still a lot of standing water in some places and the catchment is saturated and rivers are now very sensitive to further significant rain.

“We are expecting further rain from [this] afternoon, which could result in the levels rising back up to slightly higher levels than yesterday.”

The agency said this could result in further flooding to lower lying land, roads and gardens next to the river.

Its warning will be updated later tonight.

There are currently seven flood warnings and 102 flood alerts in force across the South East.

People are being urged to avoid driving or walking through floodwater. Fast-flowing water that is just 15cm deep can be enough to knock an adult off their feet.

The agency’s floodline is 0845 988 1188.