This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-36603508

The article has changed 22 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Travel disruption and floods in South East after thunderstorms Travel disruption and floods in South East after thunderstorms
(35 minutes later)
Thunderstorms have caused flooding in London and south-east England, with more than 300 emergency calls being made to the fire service overnight. Thunderstorms have caused flooding in London and south-east England, with more than 300 emergency calls made to the fire service overnight.
London Fire Brigade took a day's worth of calls in 90 minutes, with its crews attending flooded premises and roads, and properties hit by lightning. London Fire Brigade took a day's worth of calls in 90 minutes, with its crews attending flooded premises and roads as well as properties hit by lightning.
A Met Office amber "be prepared" warning has been issued, and there were reports of 40mm of rain in some areas. A Met Office yellow "be prepared" warning has been issued, after reports of 40mm (1.5ins) of rain in some areas.
The Environment Agency has four flood warnings in place. The Environment Agency issued 39 flood warnings, including six red alerts.
Rivers in Bromley and Sidcup in south-east London, and Basildon, Essex, are affected, and there are 24 flood alerts. Rivers in Bromley and Sidcup in south-east London, and Basildon, Essex, are affected, and there are 24 flood alerts in place.
Meanwhile, Gatwick Express, Abellio Greater Anglia, South West Trains and Southern have warned of major delays on some rail routes.Meanwhile, Gatwick Express, Abellio Greater Anglia, South West Trains and Southern have warned of major delays on some rail routes.
In London, flooding has led to the suspension of services on the London Underground and on the overground services.In London, flooding has led to the suspension of services on the London Underground and on the overground services.
A Network Rail spokesman said: "It's a very fast moving picture this morning, with flash floods still arising and others falling in a variety of different routes into London.
"In addition, we are dealing with the aftermath of lightning strikes at Surbiton, which is on the main line into Waterloo, and at Blackheath.
"Our advice to passengers in the South East this morning is to please check before you travel, either with your operator's website or on National Rail Enquiries."
A fire service spokesman said: "Crews are being mobilised to incidents as quickly as possible but the brigade is appealing to people to only call 999 in an emergency - where there is a risk to life or property."A fire service spokesman said: "Crews are being mobilised to incidents as quickly as possible but the brigade is appealing to people to only call 999 in an emergency - where there is a risk to life or property."
On Twitter, Transport for London posted incidents of localised flooding on roads, including the Blackwall Tunnel in the east of London, which was temporarily closed.On Twitter, Transport for London posted incidents of localised flooding on roads, including the Blackwall Tunnel in the east of London, which was temporarily closed.
BBC Weather said there had been more 1,000 lightning strikes across the UK overnight, although the thunderstorms are easing. BBC Weather said there had been more than 1,000 lightning strikes across the UK overnight, although the thunderstorms are easing.
The Met Office said the rain was brought on by increasingly warm and humid air arriving from France.The Met Office said the rain was brought on by increasingly warm and humid air arriving from France.
Its amber warning for London and parts of Kent, Sussex and Surrey was in effect until 06:00 BST. A yellow "be aware" warning covering a wider area of South East England is in place until 18:00 BST.
Forecasters are warning of the potential of a "second wave" of downpours later on Thursday.Forecasters are warning of the potential of a "second wave" of downpours later on Thursday.
Have you been affected by the extreme weather? You can tell us about your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk or share your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk.Have you been affected by the extreme weather? You can tell us about your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk or share your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:
Or comment here:Or comment here: