Water reached the doors of Putney’s boathouses yesterday afternoon as the Thames hit its highest tide in months. Today’s peak is forecast to be higher still.
Rowers waded ankle-deep through floodwater outside the rowing clubs upstream of Putney Bridge shortly after 4pm, with trailer wheels submerged and river water lapping at the boathouse entrances. The river reached 5.10 metres at Richmond, well above the 4.65 metres that triggered flooding last October at the start of the winter tide season. The clubs, as they always do, got on with it.
Thursday’s level was not the peak. The Environment Agency warned last night that the astronomical high point of this spring tide cycle is still to come, with a further flood alert already issued for Putney Embankment between 3am and 5am this morning. Friday afternoon’s tide will push higher again.
The combination of high astronomical tides and elevated river flows from upstream is what makes this week more dangerous than a typical spring tide. When the river is already running fast, even a modest tidal surge pushes water significantly further inland than the numbers alone suggest.
Anyone parking on the embankment or the riverside slipway today needs to think carefully. There is a “Flood” warning sign there for a reason, as the owner of at least one Land Rover Defender discovered yesterday afternoon. Last summer a car was completely submerged on the Putney slipway and written off. Friday’s tide could reach that level.
To receive free flood alerts by phone, text, or email, visit check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk and enter your postcode. You can also call Floodline on 0345 988 1188. The EA will issue an updated assessment by 10am.
