The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for central and eastern England as heavy downpours cause flooding and travel disruption, particularly in London. Vehicles struggled through floodwater on Tower Bridge and a section of the London Underground was closed, prompting the Mayor's office to warn that the dangers of climate change have moved closer to home.
The Environment Agency issued a flood warning requiring immediate action for areas near Oakington and Westwick in Cambridgeshire, urging property owners to activate anti-flood barriers and pumps. A separate alert warned of possible flooding in the nearby Cottenham Lode area. Up to 40mm of rain is expected in some areas within a few hours, with thunderstorms possible as the rain moves north-eastwards.
Social media images showed flooding in central London, with traffic delayed on major routes including the Blackwall Tunnel. A London Assembly member warned that the city's flood defences are vulnerable, with 200,000 homes and businesses at risk. The Mayor's spokesperson said flash floods cause concern and show the impacts of climate change, calling for urgent action to tackle surface water flooding.
The rain has also disrupted sporting events, with day three of Surrey's County Championship match against Essex abandoned due to conditions at the Kia Oval, and Derbyshire v Kent also washed out. The wet weather follows a period of sweltering sunshine earlier in the month, with Wales recording its warmest September night on record.
Met Office meteorologist Annie Shuttleworth said the rain would persist longest in north-eastern parts of England, but drier weather is expected on Wednesday with patchy sunshine predicted for the coming days. Temperatures are forecast to rise slightly, reaching around 21°C in London by midweek.
