00:00The Thames barrier is due to close this week to protect London from potential flooding as
00:05forecasters warn a prolonged spell of wet weather will continue across England for at least another
00:10month. Conditions have been exceptionally wet since the start of the year with a strong southerly
00:15jet stream bringing repeated rain and dusty winds that are increasing pressure on the capital's
00:20flood defences and river levels. Environment officials are closely monitoring conditions
00:25along the Thames as runoff from saturated ground moves downstream towards the city.
00:31There are currently 60 flood warnings in place where flooding is expected and nearly 200 flood
00:37alerts where flooding is possible across the country with the potential for impacts to travel
00:42towards London via river systems. Yellow weather warnings for snow, ice and heavy rain remain
00:48in force across the Midlands and southern England raising the risk of disruption to transport routes
00:54into and out of the capital. Forecasters expect the wettest conditions to shift further north in the
01:00final week of February. However, already saturated ground means any further heavy rainfall could
01:05still raise river levels affecting London and the wider south. In Somerset, around 29 square miles of
01:12the levels and moors remain flooded. Conditions that underline the ongoing flood risk facing London
01:17as water moves through river systems towards the capital. Authorities are urging Londoners and
01:23commuters to stay alert to updates and plan for possible travel disruption as the situation continues to develop.
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