A STORM has battered the UK today bringing a month’s rain in 48 hours and sparking flooding so severe schools were forced to close.
A house in Stoke-on-Trent “exploded” after lightning struck over the weekend in a storm that marked the start of days of chaos.
Stephen Huntley/HVCHeavy rain overnight has caused some roads to flood in Essex this morning[/caption]
swissum via XLuton Airport is totally inaccessible due to flooding at its main roundabout[/caption]
BPMA security camera captured the moment lightning appeared to strike a home in Stoke[/caption]
Heavy rainfall has caused flooding in Dunstable with cars left under waterTwitter
MET OfficeThe Met Office issued an amber warning and urged drivers to be careful[/caption]
Much of England and Wales is under a Met Office amber danger warning today until 9pm.
It warned: “Homes and businesses may be flooded, causing damage to some buildings.”
And there’s “a possibility that some communities will be cut off by flooded roads”.
Holidaymakers travelling to Luton Airport this morning were “jammed for miles” after roads became completely waterlogged over night.
Footage outside the airport showed the “total chaos” as backlogged traffic tried to navigate the flooded areas.
AFC Wimbledon and Newcastle’s Carabao Cup third-round meeting on Tuesday has been called off due to “extensive overnight flooding” at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
The Dons’ stadium in London is now closed as a result with a rescheduled date for the tie yet to be confirmed.
Bedfordshire Police warned on Sunday the town’s High Street was closed because of “substantial flooding”.
Footage posted online shows cars floating in floodwater in Dunstable after heavy rain overnight.
Some areas could see 120mm (4.7ins) of rain today — well over the typical 60-90mm September total — before a cold spell with frosts kicks in.
Sandbags were handed out in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, to protect homes, while the town’s Morrisons was closed because of water pouring through the roof.
As of 7.40am, 13 flood warnings – meaning flooding is expected – were issued for England by the Environment Agency.
Schools shuttered across the country as water poured into buildings.
Chosen Hill School in Churchdown, The Milestone School in Gloucester and Tewkesbury CofE Primary are closed while damage is assessed.
MET OfficeA deluge of rain is expected to hit Oxford as Met Office issued an amber alert[/caption]
George Cracknell WrightTorrential rain sparked flooding in Colliers Wood, South West London[/caption]
Lightning above houses in Great Oakley, Corby, NorthamptonshirePA
Twitter/@IlfordSouthVideo taken in Luton showed a ‘mini-tornado’ launching debris into the air[/caption]
Flooded images of Dunstable yesterday with a van almost completely submergedTwitter
Areas affected by the flood warnings include Atherstone in Warwickshire, Leighton Buzzard and Luton in Bedfordshire and parts of London including Wimbledon and South Ruislip.
That band of rain will push North and West today with severe downpours due between 5am and 9pm from Gloucester up to Hull.
Video taken in Luton, Bedfordshire, also appeared to show a ‘mini-tornado’ launching debris into the air.
Meanwhile security camera footage captured the terrifying moment lightning appeared to strike a home which triggered an explosion on Saturday.
Firefighters and police were called to Bambury Street in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, before a cordon went up and homes were evacuated.
In the 10-second clip lightning lights the skies as a loud exploding noise echoes around the neighbourhood.
Full list of schools shut today:
Chosen Hill School in Churchdown
The Milestone School in Gloucester
Tewkesbury CofE Primary
The Warriner School, Banbury
Hockliffe Lower School, Bedfordshire
St Marys CofE Clophill VA, Bedfordshire
Harlington Upper, Bedfordshire
Harlington Lower, Bedfordshire
Sundon Lower School, Bedfordshire
A bright yellow flash comes from the roof in what looks like flames.
Met Office expert Frank Saunders said: “The new working week begins with rain across a large swathe of England and Wales.
“It’s likely some parts will be worse affected than others.
“It all depends on where, and if, the weather system responsible for the heavy rain stalls and pivots.
“However, within this warning period — which encompasses two rush-hours — a few areas could see in excess of 100mm of rain.
“This brings the potential for travel disruption and localised flooding.”
Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick added: “The spell of settled warmer weather has gone and we are going to see a downward trend in temperatures.
“There will be a cold spell in some places from Wednesday with grass frost and temperatures could be below average in northern England and Scotland.
“It’s safe to say autumn has well and truly arrived.”
Environment Agency flood duty manager Sarah Cook said “persistent heavy rain and thunderstorms” could lead to some property flooding and travel disruption.
She said: “Persistent heavy rain and thunderstorms could lead to significant surface water flooding on Monday across parts of England.
“The impacts could include localised flooding in urban areas and fast-responding catchments, including some property flooding as well as travel disruption. The risk from river flooding remains low.
Flood alerts and warnings:
Bunches Brook from Broadway to Childswickham
Grendon Brook catchment including Yardley Hastings, Denton, Bozeat, Easton Maudit and Grendon
Kidbrooke Stream at Forest Row
Low lying areas close to Clipstone Brook at Leighton Buzzard
River Anker at Mancetter, Witherley and Atherstone
River Ivel at Langford
River Lee at Harpenden
River Lee at Luton
River Ouzel at Leighton Buzzard, Stoke Hammond and Great Brickhill
River Teise in Lamberhurst and Goudhurst
Wider area at risk from Clipstone Brook at Leighton Buzzard
Yeading Brook East at South Ruislip
“Environment Agency teams are out on the ground and ready to support local authorities in responding to surface water flooding.
“We urge people to plan their journeys carefully, follow the advice of local emergency services on the roads and not to drive through flood water – it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.
“People should check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation as well as following @EnvAgency on X, formerly Twitter, for the latest flood updates.”
A Luton Airport spokesperson said: “Due to adverse weather, localised flooding is possible.
“Please allow extra time for your journey to and from the airport.
“Public transport could also be affected. For the latest status of your flight, please contact your airline.”
PAMiserable conditions for drivers on the M3 near Basingstoke in Hampshire[/caption]
Lee ThomasWorkers drain Brookend Street in Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire on Sunday morning[/caption]
AlamyA vehicle stuck in floodwater in Godalming in Surrey[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
