Heavy rains flood roads and tube stations in London

The Environment Agency has issued five flood warnings for the south of England and 19 flood warnings including parts of Wales. Torrential rains flooded roads and subway stations in London after thunderstorms hit southern England on Sunday.

Barts Health NHS announced the major incident after flooding caused problems at Whipps Cross Hospital and Newham Hospital in the east of the city.

In a statement, the organization said, “We are working closely with our local partners to resolve problems and provide patient care, and while services remain available to people in emergencies, patients are asked to visit alternative hospitals where they can to help us find care as quickly as possible.”

According to an Agence France-Presse reporter, police had to close the road in southwest London, where three double-decker buses were stuck under a railway bridge. The driver said passengers had to get off the bus after his bus began gaining water.

Other motorists in Walthamstow, northeast London, were forced to abandon their cars.

It is also reported that some residents were up to their waists in water in their homes and rescue services were called to rescue them.

Portobello Road in west London was also flooded, according to reports on social media.

Rain gauges from the Meteorological Office and the Environment Agency said 48.5 mm (1.9 inches) of rain fell in one hour in Bethersden, Kent, between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday. Ryde, Isle of Wight, received 38.5 mm in one hour, and some parts of London and nearby counties received 20 to 30 mm in one hour.

The London Fire Brigade said it received 300 flood-related calls in just a few hours on Sunday.

The Standon Calling music festival, which was held in Hertfordshire and had a capacity of 15,000 people, was canceled because of flooding.

Standon Calling tweeted, “If you can safely leave the venue tonight, please do so as soon as possible. We are working to get everyone out of the venue as quickly and safely as possible.”

The festival said it expects “significant delays” in leaving the venue, and warned festival-goers not to drive while intoxicated.

The Environmental Protection Agency issued five flood warnings Sunday for southern England and 19 flood warnings, including in parts of Wales. A yellow thunderstorm warning was in effect until midnight Sunday and extended to the south from Norwich to Plymouth.

An amber thunderstorm warning had previously been issued by the Meteorological Office for parts of southeast England, including the London area, during Sunday afternoon and early evening.

According to meteorologist Stephen Kittes, thunderstorms are caused by a convergence of air currents as heat generated on the Earth’s surface by a recent heat wave rises up and meets cooler air in the atmosphere.

Forecasters said Monday will be a “slightly calmer” day in the south, with a few localized pungent showers and some heavier showers in the north of the U.K.

However, erratic weather will persist in the coming week, and rain and thunderstorm warnings may be issued on Tuesday and beyond.

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