Property flooding is still a possibility for homes close to the Thames in Kingston, according to Kingston police, with more heavy rain and winds of almost 50mph expected today.

The Environment Agency is warning residents to expect heavy showers through to Thursday, with winds expected to hit 48mph by 3pm today. The flood helpline warned properties closest to the river Thames at Kingston at 12.09pm: "Flooding is expected. Immediate action is required. Your safety, home and posessions are at risk. Act now."

It warns residents to take urgent action to prevent water getting into home, block doors and ventilation points with sandbags and wood boards, and to move family, pets and valuables to a safe space.

Surrey Police tweeted earlier today that councils had free sandbags for high risk areas and advised avoiding door-to-door sellers. For updates call the Floodline on 0845 988 1188, select option 1 and enter quickdial number 173141 to get more information. The flood warning is still in place between Raven's Ait and Teddington Weir including the Hogsmill River below Kingston University's Knights Park Campus, both Kingston Bridges and Steven's Eyot. So far the water is very high on the riverside, with the edges of Raven's Ait taking on water and sections of the towpath flooded. Lower Ham Road is still flooded. Land on the Hampton side of the river behind the house boats by Kingston Bridge is under water. At 1pm today before rain began the river level was 5.34 metres, way above the normal range of 3.49m and 5m but below the 5.39m recorded yesterday morning. The highest recorded level since measurement began in 1983 was 5.71m, although in 1968 and 1947 large parts of Kingston flooded.

The Environment Agency says: "The River Thames at Kingston remains high due to a combination of high fluvial flows upstream and tides. "Further property flooding is possible closest to the river. The weather prospects are to expect heavy rain through Wednesday morning and afternoon. "This will be followed by showers, some heavy at times, which will continue through Thursday."

Kingston and Surbiton MP Edward Davey said yesterday that the Hawker Centre and the Kingston Hill university campus had been designated as emergency shelters if needed.  To call Kingston Council about a person or home vulnerable to flooding call 020 8547 5002. Call Floodline on 0845 988 1188, select option 1 and enter Quickdial number 173141 to get more information.