Heavy downpours and flash flooding have caused significant disruptions across the UK, with schools closing and train services heavily affected. The Environment Agency has warned of continuous rain and thunderstorms, while the Met Office has issued amber alerts for several areas in southern and central England, including Oxford, Bristol, and Northampton, in effect until 9 p.m. on Monday.
In just one hour on Monday morning, parts of the UK experienced rainfall equivalent to two weeks’ worth, leading to widespread disruptions. Schools in counties such as Oxfordshire, Bedfordshire, Warwickshire, and Hertfordshire have been closed due to safety concerns. Several rail routes have also been severely affected, leaving commuters facing delays and cancellations.
Southeastern Railway announced a severely reduced service between Hastings and London due to flooding at Wadhurst. Great Northern, Gatwick Express, Southern, and Thameslink services have also been disrupted. In London, parts of the Underground network, including the Bakerloo, District, Metropolitan, and Piccadilly lines, were affected, and London Overground services between South Acton, Richmond, Euston, and Watford Junction were suspended.
The London Fire Brigade responded to over 350 flood-related incidents across the city, rescuing people from cars, homes, and underground stations in areas such as Ruislip, Uxbridge, and Wimbledon. The Carabao Cup match between AFC Wimbledon and Newcastle was postponed due to flooding at the Wimbledon stadium.
The Environment Agency emphasized the risks of severe flooding, urging residents in affected areas to avoid travelling unless necessary and to take precautions against rising waters. People living in flood-prone areas were advised to move valuables to higher levels and ensure their vehicles were parked in safe locations.
In Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, several roads were closed due to severe flooding, with cars seen struggling to navigate through deep waters. Central Bedfordshire Council reported extensive flooding in towns such as Flitwick, Cranfield, and Marston Moretaine, where one vehicle was completely submerged under a bridge, with only the trunk visible above the water.
In Luton, some airport journeys were disrupted due to flooding, and a suspected mini-tornado caused debris to fly across parts of the area. Power outages were also reported in Nottingham overnight, but services were restored by morning.
The Met Office warned that certain areas could receive up to 120mm of rainfall on Monday, with more weather warnings expected throughout the week. Sarah Cook, a flood duty manager for the Environment Agency, highlighted the potential for urban flooding and travel chaos, although the risk of river flooding remains relatively low.
Local residents across the country have shared their experiences of the extreme weather, with some reporting unprecedented water levels and severe damage to homes and businesses. Emergency teams have been deployed to assist local authorities and manage the situation as the rain continues to fall.
As the autumn equinox passed on Sunday, signalling the official end of summer, cooler and wetter weather is expected to persist through the rest of the week, with more rain and wind likely to affect large parts of the UK.
