Residents have been "strongly urged to take action now" with flooding "possible" in properties and low-lying areas after heavy rainfall.

This morning, the Environment Agency issued a flood warning for the River Colne in the Rickmansworth area after river levels in the Colne rose over the last few days.

The warning covers the parts of the river closest to the Moneyhill area of Rickmansworth, Maple Cross and Batchworth, but a flood alert has also been issued for the River Colne for the rest of Rickmansworth and in Watford.

The Environment Agency says residents, particularly in areas covered by the warning, should take action to remain safe and "be aware of their surroundings", with the situation being monitored throughout the day.

Marked in red is the area of the RIver Colne covered by the flood warning. Further up towards Watford is a flood alert. Credit: Environment Agency

Marked in red is the area of the RIver Colne covered by the flood warning. Further up towards Watford is a flood alert. Credit: Environment Agency

A statement on the Environment Agency website regarding the flood alert says: "The main area of concern is the Watford and Rickmansworth area where river levels have risen the most. There is likely to be flooding to low lying land and roads close to the river throughout today (Saturday)."

Meanwhile, Three Rivers District Council has warned people to avoid Rickmansworth Aquadrome public park due to flooding.

The council tweeted shortly before 11.30am today: "IMPORTANT INFORMATION 30/01/21 Parts of Rickmansworth Aquadrome are badly flooded. Please avoid visiting at this time this includes the Ebury play area".

A statement on the flood warning that has been issued by the Environment Agency says: "Heavy rain has been falling in the River Colne catchment over the last few days, causing river levels to rise.

"Further rainfall is forecast throughout this morning (Saturday 30th January), which may cause river levels to rise further.

"Flooding to properties and low lying areas around the River Colne, particularly within the Batchworth, Moneyhill and Maple Cross areas, is possible throughout this morning.

"Flood waters may be deep and fast flowing in these areas. Residents are strongly urged to take action now. Remain safe and be aware of your local surroundings.

"We will be closely monitoring rainfall and river levels and have staff on standby to clear any river blockages.

"This message will be updated in the evening of Saturday 30 January, or earlier if the situation changes."

Click here for advice from the EA on how to plan for flooding

A video uploaded to Twitter yesterday showed a path which runs alongside the River Colne near Tesco was flooded.

Rain and sleet is forecast in the Rickmansworth area until the early afternoon, but there is a yellow weather warning for ice today and Sunday.

A flood alert has also been issued for the River Colne in the Borehamwood, Radlett, London Colney, and Colney Heath area.