London flooding - live: Climate emergency ‘on our doorstep’, warns Khan after torrential downpour in capital
Follow live updates below
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The impact of the climate emergency is on “our doorstep”, Sadiq Khan warned after London experienced more flash floods.
The torrential rainfall caused road disruption and Tube closures on Tuesday.
More than an inch of rain fell in one hour in some parts of the city overnight, with St James’s Park among the worst-affected areas. It saw a total of 26mm in just sixty minutes, according to the Met Office.
“Once again, we’re seeing the impact of the climate emergency on our doorstep. In London we’re leading from the front to tackle this crisis, and I’ll continue to urge other politicians here and around the world to take the action that’s desperately needed,” the mayor of London said.
As a result of the downpour, Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed that there are “severe” delays on some Underground lines.
Above ground, floodwater hit tourist hotspots such as Knightsbridge, with firefighters in attendance to unblock a drain there.
Elsewhere, there is no service between Willesden Junction and Clapham Junction due to flooding at Imperial Wharf.
Meanwhile, a whole lane on the A4 near the Hammersmith Flyover in west London has been submerged.
Sadiq Khan: ‘We’re seeing the impact of the climate emergency on our doorstep’
In response to the scenes in the capital, Sadiq Khan has said that Londoners are witnessing the “impact of the climate emergency” on their “doorstep”.
The London mayor said Transport for London (TfL) was working hard with local councils to return travel services and roads to normal.
“Once again, we’re seeing the impact of the climate emergency on our doorstep. In London we’re leading from the front to tackle this crisis, and I’ll continue to urge other politicians here and around the world to take the action that’s desperately needed,” he added.
Parts of England could see 50mm of rain on Tuesday, warns Met Office
Areas in the north-east of England could experience as much as 50mm of rain today, the Met Office has warned.
These levels are higher than the rainfall seen overnight in London, which led to flash floods.
Meteorologist Grahame Madge told the PA news agency: “The rainfall is subsiding for much of the country now, but the low pressure system is going out into north-east England and south-east Scotland.
“It will still be a bit showery elsewhere, but the main downpours are converging over the north-east.”
Fire at Westminster Tube station
Turning away from flooding news momentarily, a fire has broken out at Westminster Tube station.
“Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters are at the scene of a fire at Westminster Station on Bridge Street in Westminster,” the London Fire Brigade (LFB) said.
Lamiat Sabin has this breaking story:
Westminster: Firefighters attend blaze at London underground station
Latest weather update
Here’s the latest weather forecast from the Met Office:
LFB pumps water out of flooded premises
The London Fire Brigade is helping to pump floodwater out of premises in Westminster, the local council has confirmed.
Earlier on Tuesday, Westminster Council said that city inspectors were assessing the damage to properties in parts of Knightsbridge, Bourne Terrace (W2), Oak Tree and Abbey Road (NW8).
Met Office issues rain warning for west Scotland on Thursday
Up to 150mm of rain could fall in a single day in some areas of western Scotland later this week, the Met Office has said.
This is considerably more rain than the levels seen in London overnight.
As a result, the agency issued a yellow weather warning from Glasgow up to Fort William between midnight and 3pm on Thursday.
Flood warnings in place across UK
Two flood warnings are in place as well as dozens of flood alerts, the Environment Agency has said.
Flooding is expected in an area of Keswick in the Lake District as well as by sections of the River Anker near Birmingham.
Meanwhile, more flooding is possible in regions such as London, the south-west and the Midlands.
Flooding in northern England could last into Wednesday
Flooding in the north of England could last into Wednesday, the Environment Agency has said.
Katherine Smith, flood duty manager at the public body, said: “Working with our partners in local resilience forums, Environment Agency teams have been out on the ground clearing waste grilles and screens, and stand ready to operate flood defences if needed.
“They are also ready to support local authorities in their response to surface water flooding.”
Scottish and Welsh agencies have also issued flood alerts for Edinburgh and the Lothians, the Scottish Borders and parts of the north Wales coast.
Video: Knightsbridge flooding
Here’s more about this morning’s flooding in Knightsbridge, central London.
The Evening Standard’s Michael Howie took this clip on his commute to work:
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
0Comments