A flood alert for the Tidal Thames including Richmond riverside has been put in place today.

Areas across Twickenham and Richmond are covered by the alert and residents should be prepared for possible flooding.

The Thames barrier is due to close today (4 January) to protect the capital from the expected high water this afternoon at 3.30pm.

The Environment Agency's Flood Alert states: "River levels are expected to be high as a result of spring tides.

"The Thames Barrier is expected to close today for the predicted high water at 15:30 on 04/01/22.

"We are not currently planning to close the Thames Barrier for the high tide overnight at 03:45 on 05/01/22 and this Flood Alert message will be updated by 19:00 on 04/01/22 with the forecast river levels.

"Astronomical tide levels are rising. The river flow at Teddington Weir is normal for this time of year at 110 cubic metres per second and is falling slowly.

"We anticipate the flows to remain normal for the next few days. We are closely monitoring the situation.

"This message will be updated by 19:00 on 04/01/22, or as the situation changes, as subsequent tides over the next couple of days may be higher."

Flood Alerts mean that residents should be prepared for possible flooding.

Recommended activities include preparing a bag that includes medicines and insurance documents and checking flood warnings.

Find out more on the Government website HERE

Well-known local photographer, Ruth Wadey, has captured images of riverbank flooding in the area in recent days.

At the same time, a number of motorists who parked on the riverside found their vehicles had been swamped.

Captain Quack, the local Thames paddler, has posted a number of videos of the impact of the rising water levels on people using the towpath.