PIX: Thousands at risk as swollen Thames bursts banks in UK

Thousands of homes in southern England are bracing for flooding after the River Thames burst its banks, with forecasters warning more bad weather is expected, ABC News reported.

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Authorities say lives could be at risk, with water levels along parts of the river reaching their highest levels highest since gauges were installed in the 1980s and '90s, the report added.

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The UK Environment Agency has issued 14 severe flood warnings in the affluent counties of Surrey and Berkshire, to the west of London. The military has been brought in to evacuate properties and build defences, media reports stated.

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Fire crews, who have been rescuing people from their homes in Staines-upon-Thames, say they have never known waters so deep or a flood rescue operation on this scale, BBC reported.

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Thames Valley Police have declared a "major incident" in east Berkshire. Howard Davidson, from the Environment Agency, said he expected conditions in the county to deteriorate as more rain fell over the coming days, BBC reported.

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"We have issued flood warnings from Datchet down to Shepperton, and we urge people to take heed of the flood warnings. We are anticipating another three or four inches on the Thames over the next 24 hours."

The Environment Agency said it had never issued as many severe flood warnings and that many areas had seen more than double their average rainfall, the report added.

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Network Rail says it is concerned about 400 to 500 railway sites. Normally, at this time of year, it would be about a dozen, BBC reported. It is also warning that problems on the rail network could last for some months.

The media reports stated that rain and strong winds were expected to hit areas already affected by flooding on Tuesday.

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