Flooding and strong winds are expected to batter the South East over the next 24 hours, the Environment Agency is warning this afternoon.

Recent heavy rain, saturated ground and high river levels mean that there is also a continued risk of river and surface water flooding across the region as unsettled conditions are forecast to continue.

The Thames Barrier was closed today (January 2) to protect people and property along the Thames, and the public are being advised to stay away from coastal areas during the unsettled weather.

Julia Simpson, Regional Duty Manager for the Environment Agency said: "Our teams are working tirelessly throughout this ongoing incident, operating gates and structures and checking that flood defences and barriers are in good working order."

The Environment Agency is advising people to check its website for updates or follow @EnvAgencySE and #floodaware on Twitter. More information on the weather is available from the Met Office website .