Londoners have seen streets flooded by torrential streams and a tube station being submerged under water as a heatwave in the UK capital was replaced by heavy rains.
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Some car owners had to abandon their vehicles that were caught in the streams and almost fully submerged.
Others were stuck in their cars and emergency services used boats to rescue them as happened to one unfortunate motorist, who got stranded under a bridge in Worcester Park, Sutton.
Some witnesses reported seeing improvised “geysers” as the storm water systems apparently got overwhelmed with the torrential floods.
Clapham and Camberwell, as well as Kingston in Southwest London, were among the areas hit by the floods. The UK capital’s Eastern parts, including Leyton and Walthamstow, were also affected.
London fire brigade said on Monday it had received about 600 calls for help as it responded to reports of collapsed ceilings and vehicles trapped in floodwater.
Eight London tube stations were closed because of the foul weather, including Covent Garden, Edgware Road’s Circle line station and Pudding Mill Lane.
Around 100 outpatients are being evacuated from a London hospital after a power outage due to flooding with planned surgery and appointments axed.
A whole block at Whipps Cross were without power, with patients being transferred to St Bartholomew's Hospital, Royal London and Homerton.
The site's basement was flooded causing damage to the electrical system, St Bart's NHS Trust has confirmed.
Ambulances are also being diverted to other hospitals to relieve pressure, while elective surgery and outpatient appointments have been cancelled.
However, the emergency department at Whipps Cross remains open for walk-ins but patients requiring urgent treatment are asked to go elsewhere if possible.
Newham Hospital said on Sunday: "We're still here if you need us but to help us while we fix things, please attend a neighbouring hospital if possible." ■