More than 18,000 residences at risk of flooding due to Storm Austen in Buckinghamshire

Thousands of properties face an even higher risk from rising water levels from rivers and groundwater amid the storm.

Five areas in Buckinghamshire have been labelled the most at risk – Wycombe, Aylesbury Vale, South Bucks, Chilterns and the River Thames Corridor.

Wycombe has the most properties at risk of flooding, according to Buckinghamshire Council’s Local Flood Risk Management Strategy.

A total of 1,753 properties in Wycombe are at risk from river flooding, while 7,697 of those are threatened by surface water flooding.

High Wycombe is crossed by the River Wye, which has a long history of flooding issues, affected by tributaries flowing through narrow valleys.

Aylesbury Vale has the second-highest number of residences at risk from flooding, with 5,036 affected.

Although much of the area lies on flatter ground than Wycombe, residents can still face groundwater flooding as a result of extended periods of rainfall.

The district is also situated near the River Great Ouse, as well as the Rivers Thame and Ouzel, creating higher risk of flooding.

South Bucks presides within the wider River Thames catchment and contains communities close to the River Colne.

Some 647 properties in the area are at risk of flooding, with a further 2,415 at risk from surface water flooding.

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for Storm Austen this week, with strong winds also creating risk of damage to properties.

Meteorologists have warned of disruption and “possible damaging winds” this week, with the worst of the storm hitting on Friday.

The South West of England will be worst affected, with the Met Office warning of a possible “danger to life” with damage caused by the storm.

Cornwall, Devon, the Isles of Scilly and Plymouth are set to face the worst of Storm Austen, with the areas in the peak of the amber alert.

The Met Office urged those within the amber warning zone to “stay indoors as much as possible”, but if you do need to go out, try not to “walk or shelter close to buildings and trees”.

Those in coastal areas are reminded that even from the shore, large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea.

They stress residents should “take care if walking near cliffs, know your route and keep dogs on a lead”.