LONDON, Jul 26 (NNN-XINHUA) – Heavy downpours and thunderstorms have caused severe flash flooding in parts of London. The fire brigade said, it had taken about 300 calls – mostly about flooded basements or roads – yesterday afternoon. Officials have advised against travelling in the hazardous conditions.
An amber thunderstorm warning is in place for much of south-east England, with 75 to 100mm (3in to 4in) of rainfall forecast in some areas. The Environment Agency issued two flood warnings for areas in London, near Beverley Brook in Worcester Park and West Barnes.
There were reports of vehicles becoming stranded as water quickly rose to block dozens of roads and affected underground lines.
A further 14 less severe flood alerts have also been issued, covering most of the capital and parts of surrounding counties.
Resident Chris Date tweeted a photo of a bus in Bakers Arms, Walthamstow, saying the flood water was “above the kerb.”
“It’s impossible to walk on the pavement. To get on that bus the water came up to my shins. This is a canal, not a road,” he said.
Cyclist Eddie Elliott, 28, told the Press he had passed the area near Queenstown Road station to find the road “totally shut down.”
“Having been born and raised in London, I have never seen anything quite like it,” he said.
Mr Elliott said, the flooding was the worst he had experienced in the city, and described seeing “buses stood broken down in the water.”
Many roads in the capital are closed because of the flooding, including the Blackwall Tunnel, the A12 and parts of the North Circular. There are long delays on other routes. Eight Tube stations and one Overground station are also closed.
A tweet from the Metropolitan Police Special Constabulary warned drivers, they should not attempt to drive through floodwater, if they find their route blocked.
Transport for London said, the latest road information was available on its status updates page. The Environment Agency said, its staff were actively monitoring the situation and were prepared to respond if required.
The London Fire Brigade said, it had not received reports of any threats to life, but people should call 999 if in immediate danger.— NNN-XINHUA
