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 8 Version 9
Travel disruption and floods in South East after thunderstorms Travel disruption and floods in South East after thunderstorms
(35 minutes later)
Cars are submerged and referendum voters are struggling to reach some polling stations as flooding hits London and the South East. Cars are submerged and some polling stations are closing as flooding affects London and the South East.
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.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 remains open as 40mm (1.5in) of rain fell in some areas Two polling stations in Kingston upon Thames have closed after 40mm (1.5in) of rain fell in some areas.
Further heavy rain is expected later. Forecasters have warned further thundery downpours are 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 on Devon Way when he tried to vote earlier.
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 the station had now been closed and moved to the Hook Centre on Hook Road.
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 Shiraz Mirza polling station has also been moved to Maiden Manor Children's Centre, on Lawrence Avenue, the council advised.
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.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.There remain 24 flood alerts in place.
Some people in Barking had to be rescued from their homes by London Fire Brigade using boats.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.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."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".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.
Commuters were evacuated from trains at West Norwood station after smoke started billowing from the flooded track.
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."
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 and a month's worth of rain had fallen in London since 18:00 BST on Wednesday.
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.
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: