Streets flooded and cars submerged after heavy rainfall hits London
Warnings have been issued across London after heavy rainfall caused streets to flood, submerging cars overnight.
Areas across Merton were particularly affected after the River Wandle overflowed. Government warnings flagged Colliers Wood, Merton Abbey, Connollys Mill, Summerstown and Wimbledon Stadium, as danger zones.
Video footage, filmed by Lee Johnson, shows water pooling along High Street, Colliers Wood, in the early hours this morning.
Cars had become stuck and the petrol garage forecourt was underwater, Mr Johnson said in a post on X.
Video footage shows water pooling along High Street in Colliers Wood (Picture: Lee Johnson)
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) took around 350 calls to flooding across the capital overnight with firefighters attending incidents in Wimbledon, Ruislip, Uxbridge, and Carshalton.
These included rescuing people trapped in cars, assisting people from their homes and responding to flooding in underground stations, roadways, residences and commercial properties, the LFB said.
A LFB spokeswoman said: “If possible, please avoid driving into flooded water or a flooded area as vehicles can quickly become unstable in moving water.
“If you’re driving and your car becomes caught in flood waters, ensure you and your passengers unbuckle your seat belts and where possible climb out to safety.
“If you become trapped in your vehicle, turn on all the lights, including your hazard warning lights. Shout and sound your horn for help, and if you are able to reach your mobile, call 999.”
Earlier this morning AFC Wimbledon confirmed that tomorrow night’s EFL Cup match against Premier League side Newcastle United had been postponed due to extensive flooding.
In a statement the club said: “We regret to inform supporters that due to extensive overnight flooding of the River Wandle and surrounding areas, including at our Cherry Red Records Stadium, Tuesday night’s EFL Cup third-round fixture against Newcastle United has been postponed.
“More information will follow in due course regarding fixture rearrangement. The stadium is closed until further notice.”
A government spokesman said there is no longer a threat of flooding in areas near the River Wandle, but standing water and debris may still remain.
Pictured top: Water pooled along High Street in Colliers Wood, in the early hours this morning (Picture: Lee Johnson)