Overnight Storms Cause Flooding and Disrupt TfL Services Across London

Overnight thunderstorms caused flooding and travel disruptions across London, affecting Heathrow Airport and TfL services. Firefighters responded to numerous calls, including house fires linked to lightning strikes, as England prepares for record June heat.

Lightning and Storms Impact London Overnight

Lightning strikes were visible across London during the early hours, illuminating the sky above various parts of the city. The storm was notably seen in Hornchurch, east London, with lightning forked across the sky above buildings in Lambeth, south London. A bolt of lightning also lit up the sky over homes in Leyton, east London, while a gloomy morning was observed in Chelsea, west London. Lightning flashes were reported above treetops in New Barnet, north London.

Lightning forks across a dark, stormy sky above silhouetted trees, illuminating thick clouds during a night-time thunderstorm. — Image caption, The storm as seen in Hornchurch, east London

A bright lightning bolt forks across a purple-lit sky above residential buildings, including a tall tower block, during a night-time thunderstorm. — Image caption, Lightning forked across the sky above buildings in Lambeth, south London

Lightning stretches across the sky above houses and a parked car during a heavy night storm. — Image caption, A bolt of lightning lights up the sky over homes in Leyton, east London

A flash of lightning lights up the sky behind tower blocks, with raindrops visible on the window. — Image caption, A gloomy looking morning in Chelsea, west London

Bright lightning snakes through a pale purple sky above the tops of trees in a storm. — Image caption, Lightning flashes above treetops in New Barnet, north London

Transport Disruptions Due to Flooding

Thunderstorms accompanied by heavy overnight rain caused significant disruption across parts of London, including at Heathrow Airport. Currently, there is no Elizabeth Line service operating between Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3 and Terminal 4 due to flooding caused by the downpour. Additionally, the Heathrow Express is running a reduced service in both directions.

The disruptions followed intense storms in the early hours of 23 June. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) reported handling approximately 400 calls since midnight, most related to flooding affecting homes and roads.

Fire Incidents Linked to Lightning Strikes

Firefighters also responded to at least two house fires, which are believed to have been triggered by lightning strikes during the storms.

Flooding Affects Other Transport Networks

Flooding has impacted other transport services as well. On the London Tramlink network, there is no service between Sandilands and Elmers End or Beckenham Junction due to floodwater on the tracks. Earlier in the morning, Balham station was closed because of flooding but has since reopened.

Storm Effects Beyond London

Other areas across southern England were also affected by lightning strikes overnight. A house in Bristol was reportedly set ablaze during a storm earlier in the evening.

Weather Outlook and Official Response

This severe weather event comes as England prepares for temperatures reaching up to 40C, with the Met Office issuing a rare red alert set to take effect on Wednesday.

LFB Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne said: "It has been a very busy night for our Control Officers, firefighters and officers. Shortly after 04:00 BST, due to a large number of calls received by the Brigade.

"Whilst the worst of the rain now seems to have passed, we continue to work through outstanding calls as well as receive new incidents as Londoners wake to see some of the damage caused by the storms overnight."

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