Is London at risk of flooding?

Yes, London has a high risk of flooding but it also has one of the strongest protection systems in UK. There are three main types of flood risk:

• Tidal flooding (River Thames): Parts of central London are in high-risk areas. The Thames Barrier helps protect over 1.4 million people and many buildings from sea flooding. However, it may need upgrading in the future due to rising sea levels.
• River flooding: Smaller rivers like the Lea, Brent and Crane can overflow, especially during long periods of heavy rain. These rivers do not have the same level of protection as the Thames.
• Surface water (flash) flooding: This is the most common and unpredictable type. Rainwater cannot drain quickly because much of the city is covered in concrete and the drainage system can become overwhelmed.

You can check live flood warnings through official government services.