THE Environment Agency is warning that further flooding is likely as river levels continue to respond to recent rainfall, and more rain and stormy weather is expected this week.

Communities are being urged to remain vigilant to the threats of river, coastal and groundwater flooding caused by more rain falling on saturated ground and increasing already high river levels.

There are currently 14 severe warnings on the River Thames, meaning there is a risk to life, particularly affecting in Berkshire and Surrey.

So far, 400 properties have been reported as flooded across the south east.

Significant groundwater flooding is expected in the coming days in Hampshire, Surrey, Kent and parts of London.

The Thames Barrier is closing again tonight to protect properties along the Thames from fluvial flooding.

North east Thames area manager at the Environment Agency Caroline Douglass said: "This is already the wettest January England has experienced since 1766, and we are moving towards December, January and February being the wettest winter in 250 years. Looking ahead at the rest of this week, the end is not yet in sight."

Advice and guidance about flooding is available on the Environment Agency website and from Floodline on 0845 988 1188. For the latest info follow the Environment Agency on Twitter @EnvAgencySE.