Hundreds of homes could flood, as the Thames neared record levels reached in 1947.

Flood warnings have been issued for the River Thames with property flooding expected, the Environment Agency (EA) has said. Severe flood warnings, meaning lives are at risk, have been issued for further up the river, at Staines, Datchet and Old Windsor.

Surrey Fire and Rescue said it had received seven flood-related calls in different areas in the past two hours.

In Thames Ditton, the river has burst its banks and levels continue to rise, with property flooding expected.

A warning has also been issued for Thames Ditton Island, with the river level expected to reach 6.7m after the tide at 1pm.

The Thames at Hurst Park, Buckingham Avenue and the Royal Mews area of Molesey are also under an EA warning.

The river has risen due to the rainiest January since records began, with property flooding in the area expected from today.

The Environment Agency said: “The current river forecast suggests that river levels in this area could reach a similar or higher level than those seen in January 2003.”

Alongside Walton Bridge, the Thames has burst its banks and property flooding is possible over the next few days.

A flood warning has also been issued for Desborough Island and Elmbridge Xcel Leisure Centre.

There is further flood warning has also been issued for the River Wey at Weybridge, Wey Meadows and Hamm Court, with flooding possible to properties near the river.

Elmbridge Council has issued sandbags to locations where there is a potential risk of properties flooding, but residents can also pick sandbags up from Dorney Grove, Felix Lane, Beasley’s Ait, Graburn Way, East Molesey and Thames Street car park, Weybridge.

For flood advice, visit elmbridge.gov.uk/environment/flooding/advice.htm.