Residents are being urged to prepare for potential flooding after a long period of hot, dry weather.
Reading Borough Council is reminding residents to take precautions ahead of the autumn months, when heavy rain on hardened ground could quickly lead to flash flooding.
The warning follows a summer of drought and five heatwaves, which have left soil in the area extremely dry and less able to absorb water.
Councillor Liz Terry, leader of Reading Borough Council, said: "It may seem counterintuitive to be talking about flooding after the long, hot, dry summer we have just had, but that is exactly why we are asking residents to take a few sensible steps now in order to avoid possible problems in the weeks and months to come.
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"The hard ground everywhere increases the risk of surface water flooding significantly.
"Downpours can fall faster than the water can soak into the ground and large volumes of rainwater can quickly run off into streets, drains, sewers and low-lying areas."
The council has advised residents who have previously experienced flooding to stock up on sandbags, ensure flood guards are ready, and make evacuation plans for vulnerable family members and pets.
People are also encouraged to move valuable items off the floor in areas at risk of flooding.
Cllr Terry said: "If you have been affected by flash flooding in Reading before, maybe as a result of the location of your property, it’s a good idea now to think about your flood risk, ahead of a possible wet autumn and winter.
"There are a few practical steps you can take at this early stage, which could make a big difference in the months to come."
Residents can check their flood risk for the next five days and sign up for flood warnings by visiting www.gov.uk/prepare-for-flooding.
Climate change is contributing to more unpredictable weather patterns, including intense storms and heavier rainfall, which could worsen the risk of flooding.
Thames Water is responsible for most of the surface water sewers in the borough, while the council maintains more than 18,000 roadside gullies.
Both Thames Water’s sewers and the council’s gullies are not designed to handle extreme volumes of rainwater, such as that seen during flash floods.
Even though gullies are regularly cleaned and inspected, their effectiveness ultimately depends on the capacity of Thames Water’s sewer system.
Once the sewers reach capacity, no additional rainwater can enter through the gullies, and in some cases, water may even flow back out onto the roads.
The council has stressed the importance of early preparation to help reduce the impact of flooding should severe weather return.
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