Hurricane Nigel sweeps across UK: deluge of heavy rain causes chaos for early morning commuters as maps show where storms will hit

The remnants of Hurricane Nigel are expected to sweep across the UK today, as commuters face travel chaos this morning after heavy downpours caused some trains to be canceled or significantly delayed.

National Rail said all its lines between Kings Cross, Moorgate and Stevenage in London were closed following a “number of incidents” with “major disruption” expected until 9am.

A statement said: “Trains may be canceled, delayed up to 90 minutes or revised.”

Severe thunderstorms are expected in parts of the country, with three flood warnings in force across England.

Last night, the capital’s roads were closed rivers after huge torrents of rain hit the city within hours Wednesday evening.

Today, Britain is bracing for the arrival of Hurricane Nigel as it crosses the Atlantic and is expected to bring a deluge of heavy downpours.

The Met Office last night issued a yellow weather warning for parts of south-east England, from 4pm on Wednesday until 3am this morning.

Rail passengers have been warned not to travel on routes which usually pass through Stevenage after damage to overhead power cables led to the closure of all train lines through the station.

Meanwhile, disruption has also been reported in Tulse Hill, Cheltenham Spa and between Lewes and Wivelsfield and West Ealing and Greenford.

Previous flooding on rail lines between Burnham, Buckinghamshire and between Swansea and Llandrindod in Wales has since been resolved.

It comes after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for rain in parts of south-east England from 4pm on Wednesday until 3am on Thursday.

London firefighters had to intervene last night after receiving “numerous calls” about the condition of the capital’s roads, with some cars sinking into deep water.

Drivers have been urged to find alternative routes to avoid floodwaters, warning that “a foot of water moving at just 10km/h is enough to float a car”.

The tail of Hurricane Lee has triggered flood warnings in parts of England and Wales as the country prepares for the “unsettled weather” expected from Hurricane Nigel.

The Met Office said the effects of Nigel were not expected to be as severe as last weekend, when more than 10,000 lightning strikes were recorded across the UK.

Clear spells are forecast for the east of England this morning, while heavy and thundery showers could break out elsewhere throughout the day before easing in the evening.

Scattered showers will continue throughout the day into tomorrow, with a chance of becoming heavier and chances of hail and thunder mixing. There is also a risk of overnight frost later this week, particularly tomorrow evening.

London firefighters had to intervene last night after receiving “numerous calls” about the condition of the capital’s roads, with some cars plowing into deep water.

It comes after the end of Hurricane Lee triggered flood warnings in parts of England and Wales.

Last night, 16 flood alerts and one flood warning were issued across England.

A white van is stuck in the flood, while its windshield wipers still work on Ynyspenllwch Road, next to Mond Valley Golf Club in Clydach, near Swansea.

Ynyspenllwch Road and Mond Valley Golf Club flooded in Clydach near Swansea

Heavy rainfall at Reading station in Berkshire: Western areas are expected to receive between 50mm and 100mm of rainfall, with higher altitude areas such as Snowdonia in Wales potentially receiving up to 200mm.

Aidan McGivern, meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “A band of rain will clear by early Thursday and will be followed by sunny spells and showers with low pressure never too far from the UK. “Cooler weather, as well as cool nights, are likely heading into the weekend.”

Alex Burkill, meteorologist at the Met Office, said last night: “Saturday starts with a cool but pleasant start before our attention turns to another area of ​​low pressure.

“It’s a little way out in the Atlantic, but because it’s the remnants of what was Hurricane Nigel, it’s going to bring some rainy and windy weather for the latter part of the weekend.”

Mr Burkill said there should be “a calmer start to the weekend with perhaps a bit of a chilly but bright start to Saturday”, but we will see the wind and rain return as we approach Sunday .

Last night, 16 flood alerts and one flood warning were issued across England.

Steve Willington, chief forecaster at the Met Office, said: “The severe thunderstorms and heavy rain of (last) weekend, and their associated impacts, marked a transition from last week’s heat to warmer weather. dominated by the Atlantic in the forecast for next week.

Homes, roads and businesses across Devon and Somerset have been hit by flooding following torrential rain over the weekend.