Flood alerts are in place after overnight rain with further heavy downpours expected this afternoon (February 8).

As Storm Imogen batters the country, the Environment Agency alerts – meaning flooding is possible and that people should prepare – cover large parts of Epping Forest, including most of Nazeing and a long stretch from Epping to the River Lee in Waltham Abbey.

There is also an alert around the River Ching, from Epping Forest down through Chingford to Walthamstow.

Water levels are expected to rise following the rain, with flooding likely to hit low-lying land, roads and gardens next to the river.

Surface water flooding is also expected in to hit some places.

As well as the flood alerts, a Met Office weather warning is in place for London and parts of Essex, with ‘very strong winds’ expected until about 6pm.

To see a map of the affected areas, visit https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/map?fwa_key=120422.