Flash flooding causes huge disruption across London
A major incident has been declared at a hospital trust in east London.
Last updated 26th Jul 2021
Homes, roads and Tube stations have been flooded while two London hospitals asked patients to stay away after thunderstorms battered the south of England on Sunday.
The Environment Agency has six flood warnings in place across the country's southeast, while there are 19 alerts for potential flooding active throughout England and Wales.
The wettest part of the country on Sunday was St James's Park in London, where 41.6mm of rain fell.
Residents in north-east London used buckets, brooms and wooden boards to create makeshift flood defences for their homes, while water gushing from an Underground station was caught on video.
Restaurant manager Mariya Peeva, who lives in Woodford, said her neighbour's bedroom was flooded, and her son worked with other residents to prevent the rising rainwater from deluging their home.
Ms Peeva, 46, said:
"My son went to buy some food from the local shop - by the time he came back the whole street and the pavement were already flooded and the water was coming into our front door."
Londoner Eddie Elliott, 28, said the flooding was the worst he had ever seen it, after he cycled past Queenstown Road station where the road had been "totally shut down".
He said:
"Having been born and raised in London, I have never seen anything quite like it.
"It stands out as the worst I've experienced personally ... totally shut down the whole road with buses stood broken down in the water."
Whipps Cross and Newham Hospitals in east London both urged patients to find alternative treatment centres after they were affected by the downpours.
Whipps Cross Hospital said it was "experiencing operational issues" and asked patients to use an alternative A&E "if possible".
Newham Hospital had a similar appeal, writing on its Twitter account:
"Our Emergency Department has flooded in some areas. We're still here if you need us but to help us while we fix things please attend a neighbouring hospital if possible. Thank you!"
A spokesperson for Barts Health NHS Trust said:
“We are experiencing operational issues at Whipps Cross Hospital and Newham Hospital due to the heavy rainfall.
"We are working closely with our local partners to resolve the issues and maintain patient care and - while services remain available for people in an emergency - patients are asked to attend alternative hospitals where they can, to help us put solutions in place as quickly as possible.”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan tweeted:
"Local emergency services, @LondonFire, and @MetPoliceUK are responding to significant flooding across London.
"If you're travelling, check your route as multiple @TfL bus, tube and rail services are affected.
"Avoid walking or driving through flood water. In an emergency, call 999."