Heavy rain in UK brings floods and travel misery

Torrential rain in the UK caused flash floods and brought transport chaos yesterday as the Met Office issued severe weather warnings for vast swathes of the country.

Forecasters said the downpours could dump up to four inches of rain in less than 24 hours in some areas, with central and southern England and Wales the worst affected.

Officials warned that roads would become treacherous while numerous train services were hit by delays and cancellations. The problems come with many people expected to travel at the start of the school holidays this weekend.

"We are talking about a major rainfall event," said Keith Groves, the Met Office's head of forecasting. "When you get such heavy rainfall in such a short time there is a greater risk of flooding."

The Highways Agency warned drivers to take extra care, and advised any motorists to check the weather forecasts before heading out. Some roads, including parts of motorways, have been closed because of flooding.

Train services were also badly hit. First Great Western advised customers not to travel "unless absolutely necessary".

Virgin Trains said services between Birmingham and Gloucester had been suspended and some platforms at London's Paddington station had also been closed, Network Rail said.

Parts of the London underground system have been affected by the weather, Transport for London said.

Thames Valley Police said there had been severe flooding in Maidenhead.

The latest downpours have already held up the England cricket team's Test match against India at Lord's. Dozens of pre-season friendly football matches and several race meetings this weekend could be at risk.

Prolonged rain this summer has caused flooding in many places, with Hull and towns in South Yorkshire among the worst affected. The Environment Agency said people should check for any new flood warnings in their area.

Last month was the wettest June since records began in 1914 and July has seen no let-up.

Floods have damaged nearly 30,000 homes and 7,000 businesses. Insurers think the clean-up bill will top £1.5 billion.

This time last year, a heat wave saw records broken in Charlwood, Surrey, when temperatures topped 36 degrees Centigrade.

Forecasters say that record is safe for now - the rain is expected to last all next week.