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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 closing several Underground stations and affecting some referendum voters. Cars are submerged and referendum voters are struggling to reach some polling stations as flooding hits London and the South East.
London Fire Brigade said it received about 550 emergency calls and it had attended more than 400 incidents, including flooded premises and properties hit by lightning. London Fire Brigade said it received about 550 emergency calls and had attended more than 400 incidents, including flooded premises and properties hit by lightning.
A polling station in Chessington was flooded, but does remain open. A polling station in Chessington was flooded but remains open as 40mm (1.5in) of rain fell in some areas
The Met Office said 40mm (1.5in) of rain had fallen in some areas. Further heavy rain is expected later.
Forecasters have warned that thundery downpours will spread across the South East during this afternoon.
In Chessington, local resident John Tindall said there was about 15cm (6in) of fast flowing water in the polling station and one man had been lending wellington boots to people trying to vote as they waded through water.In Chessington, local resident John Tindall said there was about 15cm (6in) of fast flowing water in the polling station and one man had been lending wellington boots to people trying to vote as they waded through water.
Kingston Council said EU referendum voters could still use the Devon Way polling station but a temporary venue at the Hook Centre on Hook Road had also been opened.Kingston Council said EU referendum voters could still use the Devon Way polling station but a temporary venue at the Hook Centre on Hook Road had also been opened.
The Environment Agency has issued seven red flood warnings while rivers in Bromley and Sidcup in south-east London, and Basildon, Essex, have been affected and there are 24 flood alerts in place. The Environment Agency has issued seven red flood warnings while rivers in Bromley and Sidcup in south-east London, and Basildon, Essex, have been affected.
There remain 24 flood alerts in place.
Some people in Barking had to be rescued from their homes by London Fire Brigade using boats.
Resident Jodie Rose said flooding in the area would "have a big effect" on people voting in the referendum.
"My Nan is 89 years of age and she's already said that she won't be going out to vote," she said.
London Fire Brigade said its crews were being "mobilised to incidents as quickly as possible" but urged people to only call 999 in an emergency - "where there is a risk to life or property".
Several overground rail services have also been impacted by the weather.Several overground rail services have also been impacted by the weather.
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.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."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.""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."
Some people in Barking had to be rescued from their homes by the London Fire Brigade using boats.
Resident Jodie Rose said flooding in the area would "have a big effect" on people voting in the referendum.
"My Nan is 89 years of age and she's already said that she won't be going out to vote."
London Fire Brigade 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."
BBC Weather said there had been more than 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.
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.
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