Floods have caused travel chaos across the country with roads and schools closed after extreme rainfall overnight on Sunday with more expected tonight.
The autumn equinox on Sunday coincided with heavy downpours, as the Met Office warned that “heavy rain is expected to produce some flooding” with an amber and yellow weather warning in place across most of England and Wales, except the most western and northern regions.
Schools up and down the country are closed today with some staying shut tomorrow too. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for rain from 05:00 BST until 23:59 on Monday across Kent, Surrey and Sussex. A more severe amber warning covers Gloucestershire, London, Northamptonshire, the East of England and Oxfordshire until 21:00.
The A421 in Bedfordshire is closed in both directions between A6 and M1 J13 due to flooding. Also, the A505 in Hitchin, Elton Way in Watford and the A404 between Chorleywood and Rickmansworth were all shut this morning for the safety of road users, Hertfordshire County Council said.
Dan Harris, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office said that on Wednesday and Thursday “unsettled weather is set to return as further frontal systems move in from the Atlantic, bringing showers or longer spells of rain to many parts of the UK.”
Key Points
Environment Agency warn of ‘significant’ flooding
Heavy rain sees road closures and flooding in Bedfordshire
List of schools forced to close today due to weather
Updated list of flood warnings
Bedfordshire resident who saw car stuck in floodwater says flooding is area’s worst ever
18:41 , Tara Cobham
A resident of Marston Moretaine in Bedfordshire saw a car stuck in floodwater on the A421 and said he had never seen flooding like it in the area.
Lee Elliott, 36, told the PA news agency: “I’ve never seen anything like it. We’ve lived here for about 10 years and that is the worst I’ve ever seen it.
“It has flooded there before, but nothing like that. It’s normally gone within a few hours.
“I was out last night helping push cars out of the floods because we came home quite late last night and saw the cars stuck in there, so we went down there to help them.”
Met Office warns of further rain after chaos caused by flash floods across the country
18:37 , Tara Cobham
The Met Office has warned of more rain in the coming days after flash floods wreaked havoc across the UK, submerging roads and homes.
Several parts of the country, including Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and London, have been overwhelmed by floods after receiving more than a month’s worth of rain in just 24 hours.
While Tuesday is expected to be quieter, deputy chief meteorologist Dan Harris warned of further unsettled weather and heavy rain later in the week.
My colleague Rachel Hagan reports:
Met Office warns of further rain after chaos caused by flash floods in England
Heavy rain expected again later in the week
18:00 , Rachel Hagan
While Tuesday is expected to be quieter, deputy chief meteorologist Dan Harris warned of further unsettled weather and heavy rain later in the week.
He said: “Tuesday’s weather will be quieter across England and Wales, with just a few showers possible for both here and Northern Ireland. More frequent showers are expected across Scotland following some heavy rain in the far north overnight.
“Through Wednesday and Thursday, unsettled weather is set to return as further frontal systems move in from the Atlantic, bringing showers or longer spells of rain to many parts of the UK and a chance of strong winds in a few places.”
At least 260 flood reports in Hertfordshire
16:56 , Rachel Hagan
Hertfordshire County Council has received as many as 260 flood reports from Saturday to today, with the majority centred around St Albans, Harpenden and Letchworth.
Latest on train delays with commuters facing nightmare
16:35 , Rachel Hagan
The severe weather is still causing several rail delays including on major commuter routes.
Heavy rain flooding the railway between Swindon and Chippenham has caused delays on the line. Trains running towards Chippenham may be cancelled or diverted between Swindon and Bristol Temple Meads.
Flooding is also impacting the lines between Swindon and Bristol Parkway, with trains travelling very slowly.
Services on the London Underground are beginning to return to normal after it saw partial suspensions and severe delays due to flooding.
There are now just minor delays on the Bakerloo and District lines. The latter remains part suspended between Turnham Green and Richmond.
The Metropolitan line is now fully open, but severe delays remain between Uxbridge and Baker Street. The Piccadilly line has also reopened, with severe delays between Rayners Lane and Uxbridge and minor delays between Acton Town and Heathrow Airports/Rayners Lane.
‘Sinkhole’ seen on AFC Wimbledon’s pitch
15:43 , Rachel Hagan
Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup third-round tie between AFC Wimbledon and Newcastle has been postponed due to extensive flooding that caused what looked like a sinkhole to open up on the pitch at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
Below is a video of the pitch.
At least 45 homes evacuated in east and southeast of country
15:24 , Rachel Hagan
At least 45 homes have been evacuated due to flooding in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Kent, and the Home Counties.
Environment Agency flood duty manager Sarah Cook said: “Due to heavy persistent rain and thunderstorms, there have been localised surface water flooding impacts in parts of England today. Environment Agency teams are out on the ground, and ready to support local authorities in responding to surface water flooding.
“We urge people to plan their journeys carefully, follow the advice of local emergency services on the roads and not to drive through flood water – it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.”
Minister thanks emergency workers for battling floods
14:31 , Rachel Hagan
Anneliese Dodds, Labour MP for Oxford East and minister of state for development, has thanked the emergency services in her local area for dealing with the floods.
Wimbledon pitch flooded
13:30 , Rachel Hagan
AFC Wimbledon’s Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle United has been postponed after “extensive overnight flooding” has caused a sinkhole near one of the corners of the ground.
London fire brigade respond to over 300 calls
13:00 , Rachel Hagan
London Fire Brigade said its 999 control officers have taken around 350 calls to flooding across the capital.
Firefighters have attended incidents in areas such as Ruislip, Uxbridge, Wimbledon and Carshalton.
The service said these included rescuing people trapped in cars, assisting people from their homes and responding to flooding in underground stations, roadways, residences and commercial properties.
Man saw a ‘wave of water' heading towards him
12:34 , Rachel Hagan
A man from Northamptonshire has described the moment he saw a “wave of water” heading towards him during flooding on Sunday night.
Tim Maher and his partner Carol Findon, from Grendon, saw their two-storey home partially submerged overnight with more than a foot of water.
Mr Maher told PA: “We’ve had an awful lot of rain in recent days and some forecasters were warning we could see a month’s worth of rain in 24 hours.
“I have an app on my phone which tracks river levels and at around 8:45pm it rocketed up. I decided to drive down to the bridge and saw the water breaking the banks and coming down the road towards me.
“I quickly turned around, drove home and put up a flood barrier we’ve got up against the door. It kept out a lot of the water but we’ve had about an inch overnight. We’ve had some damage to the carpets, settees and other furniture. The most difficult bit will be drying out the structure.
“We haven’t had much sleep and at least eight houses on our road have been impacted. It would be nice to get a permanent solution to this problem.”
Hairdresser says floodwater reached knee height in Bedfordshire
12:15 , Rachel Hagan
A hairdresser was cleaning up mud outside her salon in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, on Monday morning after floodwater reached knee height on Sunday.
Kirsty Brewer told the PA news agency it was the fourth time the business had flooded in the last six or seven years and the first time it caused thousands of pounds of damage.
The 31-year-old, who rents a chair in the business, said: "It started yesterday afternoon when the whole of Dunstable was flooded. It was up to your knee deep, the road comes down so we're sitting in a bit of a well.
“We don't open on Sundays or Mondays, so it's not affected business in that way, it's just a big clean-up. It was full of mud when we got here at 9am.
"This is the fourth time that it has happened in the last six or seven years, so we've got all the electricals up, we're prepared. We know how to handle it. Because we are a listed building we're not allowed a floodgate. The first time that it happened it was thousands of pounds worth of damage. It happened last year, it's like a once-a-year thing."
The latest in pictures
11:58 , Rachel Hagan
Updated list of flood warnings
11:37 , Rachel Hagan
There are now 17 flood warnings across England, where flooding “is expected” and 68 alerts where “flooding is possible.”
if your area has a flood warning, the government advises in some circumstances to turn off your gas, electricity and water supplies. Move your family, vehicles, pets and important items to safety and follow advice from your local council or the emergency services.
Here is everywhere affected:
- Bunches Brook from Broadway to Childswickham
- Grendon Brook catchment including Yardley Hastings, Denton, Bozeat, Easton Maudit and Grendon
- Kidbrooke Stream at Forest Row
- Low-lying areas close to Clipstone Brook at Leighton Buzzard
- Mill Brook from the Hagbourne Mill area to Winterbrook
- River Anker at Mancetter, Witherley and Atherstone
- River Flit, River Hit and River Ivel at Shefford and Clifton
- River Ivel at Langford
- River Lee at Harpenden
- River Lee at Luton
- River Medway between Forest Row and Penshurst
- River Ouzel at Bletchley and Caldecotte
- River Ouzel at Leighton Buzzard, Stoke Hammond and Great Brickhill
- River Teise in Lamberhurst and Goudhurst
- Water Eaton Brook at Water Eaton
- Wider area at risk from Clipstone Brook at Leighton Buzzard
- Yeading Brook East at South Ruislip
Car left ‘stranded’ overnight in London downpour
10:45 , Rachel Hagan
The London Fire Brigade had to rescue a stranded car overnight near Croydon.
An image shared by the service shows the vehicle mostly underwater on Manor Road, in Wallington.
They warned drivers that just a foot of water moving 6mph could float a car.
AFC Wimbledon’s Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle postponed
10:14 , Rachel Hagan
AFC Wimbledon and Newcastle’s Carabao Cup third-round meeting on Tuesday has been called off due to “extensive overnight flooding” at the
The Dons’ stadium in London is now closed with a rescheduled date for the tie yet to be confirmed.
A statement on Wimbledon’s official website read: “We regret to inform supporters that due to extensive overnight flooding of the River Wandle and surrounding areas, including at our Cherry Red Records Stadium, Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup third-round fixture against Newcastle United has been postponed. More information will follow in due course regarding fixture rearrangement. The stadium is closed until further notice.”
The fourth round of the Carabao Cup is due to take place the week commencing October 28.
List of schools forced to close today due to weather
10:12 , Rachel Hagan
Several schools across the country have been forced to close today due to significant flooding. The flooded schools said pupils had been set to remote learning and urged parents and carers to check their websites for updates. Some school trips have also been cancelled.
Here is a list of the closures which we will be updating throughout the day if information changes.
Gloucestershire:
Chosen Hill School in Churchdown
The Milestone School in Gloucester [Monday and Tuesday]
Tewkesbury CofE Primary
Oxfordshire:
Frank Wise School, Banbury
The Warriner School, Bloxham
Lord Williams’s School, Thame
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary, Banbury
Bedfordshire:
Goldington Academy, Putnoe
Hockliffe Lower School, Leighton Buzzard
Mark Rutherford School
St Marys CofE Clophill VA, Clophill
The Hills Academy,
Broadmead Lower School, Park Crescent
Sheerhatch Primary School’s Willington site
Lincroft Academy, Oakley [only be open to Year 11 and ARC students today]
Harlington Upper
Harlington Lower
Sundon Lower School, Bedfordshire
Where rain could fall in your area as amber warning comes into effect
09:41 , Rachel Hagan
Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey said Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and up towards the Wash and the Humber could be hit by the heavy rainfall.
A yellow alert was put in place throughout the day, covering parts of Wales, much of the south of England, the Midlands and into northwest England and Yorkshire.
Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey added: “First thing on Monday morning then we see an amber weather warning come into force. It stretches between Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and up towards the Wash and the Humber.
“This area in particular, during Monday, we could see over a month’s worth of rain falling, and with the rain we’ve already seen over the last couple of days this certainly has the potential to bring some disruption and flooding in locations and here it is very important we do take care over the course of the day.”
UK weather mapped: Where rain could fall as amber warning comes into effect
Yellow weather warning extended
09:21 , Rachel Hagan
The Met Office’s yellow weather warning has been extended to last until 23:59 tonight.
There is still some uncertainty regarding which areas will be affected by the heaviest rain, but at this stage parts of the south Midlands, southern and southwest England look most likely to be greatest hit.
Met Office warn that some areas could see 100mm of rain on Monday
09:01 , Holly Evans
Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Frank Saunders said: “Following on from the heavy rain that some of us have seen on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the new working week begins with rain across a large swathe of England and Wales.
“The area with the higher likelihood of impactful rain is now covered by an Amber warning, stretching from Gloucester across the Midlands to the Wash and the Humber.
“It’s likely that some parts of this area will be worse affected than others – it all depends on where, and if, the weather system responsible for the heavy rain stalls and pivots.
“However, within this warning period - which encompasses two rush hours – some localities will probably see between 50 and 80 mm of rain, while there’s the possibility that a few could experience in excess of 100mm of rain. Where this happens, this brings the potential for travel disruption and localised flooding.”
Heavy rain sees road closures and flooding in Bedfordshire
08:46 , Holly Evans
Heavy rainfall overnight has seen areas in Bedfordshire already submerged, with police confirming a number of road closures including Dunstable High Street. Footage shared on social media showed cars battling high water around the Saracen’s Head pub.
Central Bedfordshire Council said flooding had also hit Flitwick, Cranfield and Marston Moretaine.
As of 7.40am, 13 flood warnings – meaning flooding is expected – were issued for England by the Environment Agency.
Areas affected by the flood warnings include Atherstone in Warwickshire, Leighton Buzzard and Luton in Bedfordshire and parts of London including Wimbledon and South Ruislip.
⚡ 🇬🇧 | Significant Flooding Hits Dunstable
Continuous heavy rainfall and thunderstorms have caused widespread flooding in Dunstable, UK.#Dunstable | #UK
Stay informed!
Via:- chris Richardson pic.twitter.com/nagAdNijsL— Weather monitor (@Weathermonitors) September 22, 2024
Five day weather forecast shows rain throughout the week
08:25 , Holly Evans
Today:
Heavy rain will linger across parts of England and Wales today. This could lead to localised flooding in some southern areas. Further north it will be drier and largely cloudy, although rain will move into northern Scotland.
Tonight:
Rain in the south will gradually ease tonight and clear to the east during the early hours. Skies will remain cloudy, with rain continuing in northern Scotland through the night.
Tuesday:
Rain in the east clears in the morning. Outbreaks of rain in Scotland will spread to northern England in the afternoon. Largely dry and cloudy elsewhere. Chilly in the north.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:
Rain will spread across the UK during Wednesday and Thursday, possibly with strong winds in places. Rain should clear through Friday and it will turn colder in a northerly wind.
Travel chaos on tubes and trains after overnight flooding in London and southeast England
08:15 , Holly Evans
Commuters in London and southeast England face widespread problems at the start of the working week due to overnight flooding.
The UK’s biggest rail franchise, Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), is warning that severe weather will affect all its operations: Great Northern, Gatwick Express, Southern and Thameslink.
The company says: “Due to the consistent overnight rainfall throughout the GTR network, a number of services are expected to be impacted this morning.”
Read the full article here:
Travel chaos after overnight flooding in London and southeast England
Road closures across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
08:05 , Holly Evans
Police have confirmed a number of road closures across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire following “substantial flooding” overnight.
Heavy rainfall on Sunday into Monday has seen areas such as Dunstable and Hitchin partially submerged.
Bedfordshire Police said it had closed off part of Dunstable High Street due to “substantial flooding”, with footage shared on social media showing cars battling high water around the Saracen’s Head pub.
Central Bedfordshire Council said flooding had also hit Flitwick, Cranfield and Marston Moretaine.
North Hertfordshire Police have also advised motorists to avoid some parts of Hitchin, including Walsworth Road near the town centre.
Environment Agency warn of ‘significant’ flooding
07:46 , Holly Evans
The Environment Agency has warned of “significant” flooding on Monday across parts of England.
Flood duty manager Sarah Cook said “persistent heavy rain and thunderstorms” could lead to some property flooding and travel disruption.
She said: “Persistent heavy rain and thunderstorms could lead to significant surface water flooding on Monday across parts of England.
“The impacts could include localised flooding in urban areas and fast-responding catchments, including some property flooding as well as travel disruption. The risk from river flooding remains low.
“Environment Agency teams are out on the ground and ready to support local authorities in responding to surface water flooding.
“We urge people to plan their journeys carefully, follow the advice of local emergency services on the roads and not to drive through flood water – it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.
“People should check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation as well as following @EnvAgency on X, formerly Twitter, for the latest flood updates.”
Areas covered by amber rain warning
07:26 , Andre Langlois
The following areas come under the amber warning for rain:
East Midlands
Derby
Derbyshire
Leicester
Leicestershire
Lincolnshire
Northamptonshire
Nottingham
Nottinghamshire
Rutland
East of England
Cambridgeshire
Peterborough
London & South East England
Oxfordshire
South West England
Gloucestershire
West Midlands
Herefordshire
Shropshire
Staffordshire
Stoke-on-Trent
Telford and Wrekin
Warwickshire
West Midlands Conurbation
Worcestershire
Yorkshire & Humber
East Riding of Yorkshire
Kingston upon Hull
North East Lincolnshire
North Lincolnshire
South Yorkshire
Lightning
07:15 , Andre Langlois
Jenna Smith captured this stunning picture of lightning above houses in Northamptonshire on Sunday.
‘Stay clear of flooded roads'
06:55 , Andre Langlois
Late on Sunday night, Bedfordshire Police posted a statement, saying: “We are aware of the multiple issues the weather is causing across the county tonight. Please only call us if there is an immediate threat to life or crime in progress.
“All emergency services and council teams are working as quickly as possible to help those affected but our priority will be the vulnerable. Please stay clear of flooded roads and affected areas.”
Flood warnings
06:43 , Andre Langlois
Currently, 13 flood warnings have been put in place for England by the Environment Agency.
Areas affected include Atherstone in Warwickshire, Leighton Buzzard and Luton in Bedfordshire and parts of London including Wimbledon and South Ruislip.
Warnings of rain and flooding
06:39 , Andre Langlois
Good morning.
We’ll be bringing the latest updates on heavy rain across the UK on Monday, which is expected to cause extensive travel disruption.
