Commuter hell: Torrential rain and gale-force winds spark CHAOS for hard-working Britons
The Met Office issued a yellow warning for heavy rain in Southeast England yesterday afternoon
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The UK has been struck by torrential rain and gale-force winds resulting in travel chaos for Britons across the country.
The Met Office issued a yellow warning for heavy rain in Southeast England yesterday afternoon, which lasted until 3am today.
Meanwhile, in northwest England and Wales, flash flood warnings were in place.
The resulting conditions have since cause havoc for those looking to travel.
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In London, firefighters received “numerous calls” over conditions as roads in the city turned into rivers.
Water levels in the city rose, causing flood alerts to be issued for the capital, advising drivers to avoid floodwater and find alternative routes.
Across the rest of the country, the torrential rain has disrupted travel services.
This morning, National Rail warned of “major disruption” affecting all lines between London Kings Cross and Stevenage.
National Rail said: “Trains may be cancelled, delayed by up to 90 minutes or revised. Major disruption is expected until 09:00.”
Disruption has also been reported through Tulse Hill, Cheltenham Spa and between Lewes and Wivelsfield and West Ealing and Greenford.
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In Wales, torrential downpours over night have flood several roads and caused chaos.
Over 500 homes and businesses from the north to the south are facing power cuts.
Pictures and footage have circulated of roads submerged in water, and there was chaos in Swansea due to a fallen tree that affected some bridges and rail lines.
Elsewhere, power shortages were also reported in Somerset and Cornwall.
Rain levels were predicted to reach between 50mm and 100mm in Western regions.
The dreary weather was a result of Hurricane Lee, which blew over from the US and Canada over the weekend.
Today the UK can expect "unsettled weather"
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The wet conditions are set to continue, as Hurricane Nigel is set to hit today after drifting over from the Atlantic.
However, the intensity of the rain is set to subside, instead being replaced with “unsettled weather”, according to the Met Office.
The weather service has said that conditions are expected to ease as we head into the weekend.
“A band of rain will clear by the start of Thursday and that will be followed by sunny spells and showers with low pressure never too far away from the UK. Some cooler weather, along with some chilly nights, are likely as we move towards the weekend,” Met Office’s meteorologist Aidan McGivern said.