Summer storm leaves streets under water and commuters stuck on trains

Video from Matt Spencer

A sudden summer storm left streets under water, commuters stuck on trains and London’s rail network in meltdown.

The unexpected deluge led to flash floods which stranded some drivers in their cars.

The worst affected suburbs included Raynes Park, Merton, where two cars and a van were submerged beneath a railway bridge as the waters rose.

London Underground trains came to a standstill as flooding affected signals. The District Line was suspended west of Whitechapel.

Above: Hampstead

Above: Finchley Road

Station announcements advised passengers to use buses.

Commuters heading home on Thameslink trains expressed frustration at long delays to their journeys and a lack of information.

Kevin Hunter Day wrote on Twitter: ‘I know tracks are flooded but we have been stuck at Cricklewood for 40 minutes now and many trains have passed us.’

Andy Alexander tweeted: ‘have been stuck at St Pancras now for an hour.’

Euston Station lines had to be shut down after the intense downpours on Monday evening, with people unable to travel in or out of the city via the major transport hub.

Underground stations, including Chalk Farm and Hampstead stations in north London and Wimbledon in the south, have also drawn their barriers due to the heavy rainfall.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “The line between Watford Junction and Euston has been closed and engineers are on site inspecting the track as the water recedes. As soon as it is safe to do so, we will have trains on the move again.

“We would advise anyone travelling this evening to check with their train operator or the National Rail Enquiries website for the latest information.”

The flooding problems appear to be concentrated in south west and north west London, including boroughs such as Richmond and Kingston.

London Fire Brigade said it had taken more than 1,000 calls related to flooding.

A spokesperson for the service said: “We’re asking people not to walk through or drive through the flood water. Flood water can be contaminated and vehicles can become unstable.

“We’re also asking people to look out for their neighbours and look out for weather warnings in their area.”