A flood warning has been issued for sections of the Thames riverside in west London as the capital experiences heavy rainfall due to Storm Debi. The Environment Agency cautions that

flooding is a possibility for low-lying roads and footpaths near the Thames in west and south-west London due to elevated river levels.

The tide is expected to peak at 4.73 meters above average sea level (mAOD) at Richmond on Tuesday afternoon and 4.75 mAOD at 3 am on Wednesday. Areas that may be affected include Putney Embankment, Chiswick Mall, Strand on the Green, and the Thames Bank at Mortlake (SW14). The Embankment at Twickenham and the Towpath below Teddington Lock are also areas of concern, although flooding of properties is not anticipated.

The storm has already caused disruptions on London's roads, with substantial queues observed on the A41 northbound due to flooding just before the Brent Cross Flyover. The Met Office predicts 15-20mm of rain for the affected region, encompassing the capital, the south-east, and the southwest of England.

The adverse weather conditions may lead to damage to buildings from lightning strikes or strong winds, with short power cuts considered likely. Travelers are advised to expect longer journeys for drivers and bus passengers due to spray, standing water, and hail. Trains and planes may experience delays due to the inclement weather.

Met Office meteorologist Marco Petagna anticipates that Storm Debi will gradually clear away from the UK, leaving behind wet and windy conditions. He warns of heavy and potentially thundery showers moving eastwards across the south of England on Tuesday morning, with the potential for a week's worth of rain to fall within an hour or two.

A video from late last month showed the River Thames lapping at the windows of The Bull's Head, a west London pub, during a high spring tide. While the riverwater entered the dining area, the landlady assured that it was no cause for great concern, describing it as "a bit of fun." Photo by Nigel Cox, Wikimedia commons.