Flood Alert issued for Thursday 19th December

A Flood Alert has been issued by the Environment Agency.

Flood Alert in force: Upper River Mole, Ifield Brook, Gatwick Stream, Burstow Stream and Salfords Stream.

Flooding is possible for: Ifield Brook, Upper River Mole, Burstow Stream and Salfords Stream including Ifield, Lowfield Heath, Charlwood, Hookwood, Bewbush, Furnace Green, Maidenbower, Crawley, Horley, Copthorne and Salfords.

Be prepared.

River levels are forecast to rise overnight tonight due to heavy rainfall which is forecast. As a result, flooding from rivers is possible from approximately 5am onwards, Thursday 19/12/19. Flooding could affect low lying land and roads nearest rivers throughout the area, particularly around the River Mole near Horley. River levels are expected to stay high during the morning Thursday, leading to flooding until at least the afternoon, the River Mole should reach its highest level during mid-morning.

Further rain showers are forecast in the coming days, these may cause river levels to stay high or rise further during this time. There is potential for the situation to worsen. We will be monitoring this situation closely from our incident room and are prepared to respond or issue further messages if required. Please stay safe near rivers in the area and avoid contact with flood waters. This message will be updated by 10am, 19/12/19.

To check the latest information for your area
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* Visit the GOV.UK website to see the current flood warnings, view river and sea levels or check the 5-day flood risk forecast: https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/target-area/064WAF32UpprMole

* Or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 using quickdial code: 217014 .

* Follow @EnvAgency and #floodaware on Twitter.

* Tune into weather, news and travel bulletins on local television and radio.


What you should consider doing now
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* Monitor local water levels and weather conditions.

* Keep your staff and customers informed about the situation.

* Get ready to act on your business flood plan if you have one.

* Move cars or other vehicles to higher ground, if it is safe to do so.

* Check that you know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water mains supplies.

* In rural locations, farmers should consider moving livestock and equipment away from areas likely to flood.

* Avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water. 30 cm of fast-flowing water can move a car and 6 inches can knock an adult off their feet.

* Flood water is dangerous and may be polluted. Wash your hands thoroughly if you've been in contact with it.