Surrey flooding live: Police issue ‘do not drive’ warning as roads closed and people evacuated

Surrey Police[1] are warning residents not to drive or walk through flood water as part of the county battles the aftermath of heavy rain. Following the rainfall and flood warnings from the Environment Agency, five roads have been closed within Runnymede today (January 10), and emergency services are keeping an eye on residents in and around Chertsey[2], Thorpe[3] and Staines[4]. The five road closures are: Bridge Road and Chertsey Bridge Road in Chertsey; Windsor Road in Egham; Coldharbour Lane in Thorpe; and Chertsey Lane in Staines.

Officers, meanwhile, have been out speaking with residents along Chertsey Lane, Penton Park, Laleham Reach/Northern Burway, and Chertsey Meads to ensure they are safe and their property is protected. In a warning to people in the area, a Surrey Police spokesperson said: "Do not drive in flood water - you may not be insured if you contravene these road closure signs. If you get flooded, they may not pay out.

"Do not walk in flood water unless you have to in an emergency. If you do have to, wear waterproof clothing, and take a pole or similar to put in front of you to ensure there are no dislodged service covers or drains." They added: "Please do help us, to help you by taking this into consideration.

Whilst our partner agencies are equipped to deal with rescues etc, they cannot be everywhere at once. "Please plan your journeys and consult online mapping for road closures before you head out. We will be out today ensuring the safety of residents and property."

So far, between 50 to 150 people have been evacuated from their homes in Addlestone and taken to Chertsey following the flooding.

Follow our live blog below for the latest updates on this ongoing situation as we have them.

If you have been impacted by the flooding, or have photos to share, email [email protected].

References

1. ^ Surrey Police (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
2. ^ Chertsey (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
3. ^ Thorpe (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
4. ^ Staines (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
5. ^ Firefighters battled blaze near Shere after chimney fire closed road (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
6. ^ Road closed near River Thames as Surrey Police warn of 'dangerous incident' (www.getsurrey.co.uk)