The government's Flood Information Service has issued alerts for areas of Richmond nearest to the River Thames after heavy rainfall over recent days.

With more rain expected into the weekend, the alert was issued earlier today (Thursday, January 14) and cover large swathes of Richmond including parts of Twickenham, Teddington and Ham.

The statement posted by the Flood Information Service to accompany the alert announcement read:

"River levels are expected to be high as a result of spring tides. The forecast high tide at Richmond will be 4.65m AOD at 15:30 on 14/01/21 and 4.60m AOD at 03:45 on 15/01/21.

"Flooding of low-lying roads and footpaths is expected, which may exist for one to two hours either side of high tide.

"Flooding of properties is not expected. We believe there is a possibility of flooding for Putney Embankment (SW15), Chiswick Mall and Strand on the Green (W4), Thames Bank at Mortlake (SW14), Ranelagh Drive (TW1), Friars Lane and Water Lane (TW9), Riverside and The Embankment at Twickenham, and the Towpath below Teddington Lock.

"Astronomical tide levels are rising. The river flow at Teddington Weir is high for this time of year at 125 cubic metres per second and is rising.

"We anticipate the flows to remain high for the next 5 days. We are closely monitoring the situation. This message will be updated by 10:00 on 15/01/21, or as the situation changes."

The Met Office expects more rains in the area over the coming days, with a high chance of rain on Saturday morning in particular.

Click here for more information on flood alerts where you live or here for the Met Office website.