The latest storm to hit the UK has brought further chaos across the country as transport networks were delayed and major roads were forced to close.
Commuters were urged by train operators to refrain from travelling on their networks as many lines are blocked by fallen trees and flooding caused by Storm Franklin.
South Western Railways showed every train as “cancelled” on their website in an attempt to prevent people from using their services despite some still running.
Northern also suspended their entire service for several hours.
Widespread emergency 50mph speed restrictions have been introduced, causing further delays to journeys.
Transport for London suspended its London Overground trains between Stratford and Richmond, Stratford and Clapham Junction, Romford and Upminster, and Sydenham and West Croydon due to damage caused by severe weather.
Ben Birchall
Several major road bridges were closed on Monday, including the M48 Severn Bridge connecting England and Wales, and the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge at the Dartford Crossing between Kent and Essex.
This caused long delays as motorists sought alternative routes.
Over 450 alerts were sent out for floods or warnings.
Elsewhere, Streets in Derbyshire, were “a river” after heavy rains brought by Storm Franklin hit the town.
Matlock Town Council has urged people not to travel to the area as videos posted on social media showed streets flooded with more than a foot of water.
Local resident Phil Gregory described the town centre as “a river” and criticised the Government for not acting after severe floods hit the town in November 2019.
“My heart goes out to the business owners who are still recovering from lockdown measures and the previous flooding a couple of years ago,” he said.
“My message to the Government is: take action now, stop building on flood plains and help small businesses and homeowners in the long term with proper flood defences.”
GB News reporter Bradley Harris reported from Didsbury where he said Storm Franklin had “absolutely battered” the area where the River Mersey had overflowed and threatened local businesses and residents.
Up to 430 properties were issued with a threat of evacuation warning and Didsbury Mosque opened to offer shelter to local residents who found themselves at risk.
