London weather: flash floods hit capital amid torrential rains

Flood warnings have been issued by the Met Office and the Environment Agency for all of England, including near Ruislip, Wembley and Harrow in West London and Waltham and Cheshunt in North London.

A yellow rain warning has been issued for south-east England, with the Meteorological Office warning that road flooding will increase travel times. About 30mm of rain is expected.

Some commuters describe the downpours as “biblical.” “Probably the wettest and worst conditions I’ve ever driven,” said one driver on Twitter.

A driver driving through flood waters on the A41 at Hendon Way got stuck inside and had to scramble from the driver’s seat and onto the top of the car before abandoning it.

Sections of the M25, A41 and A1 north of London are blocked.

Many subway lines are partially suspended or experiencing significant delays. There have been reports of severe flooding near the Finchley Road Underground Station.

Some train services have also been canceled or delayed.

“Heavy rain flooded the rail line between Fulwell and Hampton, blocking all lines,” the Southwestern Railroad said in an update.

Thameslink said trains could not stop at Millhill Broadway station due to flooding. Your ticket is valid on London buses.

Heavy rain is expected Thursday morning, followed by clear skies in the afternoon, followed by an isolated thunderstorm, the Bureau of Meteorology said.

The heavy rains are the result of storm Claudio, which passed through northern France earlier this week.

The London Fire Service said it had received a “significant number” of flood-related calls that were referred to the local council.

The brigade warns people not to drive or walk through the flood waters, and not to let children or pets play in it.

A video posted on Twitter shows a number of cars, including a Thames Water van, driving through the floodwaters during the morning rush hour in West Drayton, Hillingdon.