On 29 January 2026, agencies warned of an elevated flood risk along the River Thames corridor through Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, as heavy rain and gusty winds increased the risk of river flooding.
As of 09:52 on 29 January 2026 the Environment Agency and the Met Office had escalated flood warnings for parts of the River Thames corridor to ‘Severe’ — the highest level of alert, which indicates a danger to life — and highlighted known low points such as the Desborough Cut. (Note: the Environment Agency’s ‘River Thames at Walton’ target-area page was updated at 10:01 on 29 January and showed no active flood warnings for that specific target area at that time, although a wider flood alert remained; readers should check the EA site for the latest status.)
Forecasters at the Met Office said strengthening winds and further bands of rain were expected, with inland gusts typically around 45–55 mph. The combination of saturated ground from previous storms and fresh heavy rain means river levels can rise faster than usual; strong gusts may bring down branches and drive waves on the river, increasing the risk of ‘wind-driven’ flooding in low-lying spots.
Local guidance from Elmbridge Borough Council and official flood-preparedness advice recommends that residents move pets, vehicles and valuables to higher ground and prepare flood protection measures. Residents are also advised to turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if they are asked to evacuate by emergency services.
Commuters using South Western Railway services via Walton-on-Thames should prepare for cancellations or service alterations due to debris or water on the tracks; check SWR JourneyCheck or National Rail Enquiries for live updates before travelling. Drivers are advised to avoid riverside roads — including the A3050 (Hurst Road/Terrace Road) where closures are possible — and to heed standard flood safety advice: even six inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet and deeper water can sweep vehicles away.
For the latest and location-specific warnings and advice, check the Environment Agency flood warnings service and the Met Office weather warnings, and follow updates from Elmbridge Borough Council and South Western Railway.
About this article: This story was put together with the help of AI tools and checked by a real person on our team. We're a small crew trying to cover as much of the UK as we can on a limited budget. We're getting better every day - but we're not perfect yet. If something looks off, let us know. You're part of the process.
