BBC One this morning (2 October) re-broadcast a feature on flood preparedness featuring OFA streeing group member Adrian Porter. The story was first aired in July 2023 to raise awareness of flooding and the need for households and businesses to be prepared. This time the item focused on what it’s like to be flooded, using Adrian’s reflections from 2007, and then switched to someone being rescued from a flooded vehicle by Oxford Fire & Rescue.

After record levels of rain on 23 September the catchment has limited capacity to absorb more water, and it will take time to drain. Further storms could cause the Thames to rise more quickly than we’ve seen over the last week. As we head into winter we all need to be prepared.