Abbey Wood: Flooding causes motorists to abandon cars as alert issued for River Thames

Cars were left stranded in flood water in southeast London last night with sections of the River Thames remaining on alert today.

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to the scene in Abbey Wood at 6.15pm on Tuesday December 12 to reach the vehicles trapped in flood water.

The London Fire Brigade said no motorists were stuck inside stranded vehicles and they were able to leave the affected area which included the roundabout where Yarnton Way, Harrow Manorway and Eynsham Drive meet.

A 50-yard cordon was imposed along with road closures. While the cause of the flooding has not yet been confirmed, it followed heavy rain over the capital.

A bus passenger who shared footage of water coming onto their bus asked: “Anyone got a boat?!”

Flooding was also reported on Nathan Way in nearby Plumstead last night, where firefighters responded and road closures were imposed.

The Environment Agency has also issued a flood alert for sections of the River Thames from Putney Bridge to Teddington Weir.

Nearby roads and footpaths are expected to be covered in water although no homes are expected to be affected.

River levels are expected to reach around 4.82m at Richmond at 2.15pm on Wednesday.

The EA added that the river flow at Teddington Weir is high for this time of the year at 210 cubic metres per second and is rising. Flows are expected to remain high for the next few days.