London Faces Severe Storms as Amber Weather Warning Takes Effect

The Met Office has issued an urgent amber weather warning for thunderstorms and torrential rain across London and southeast England, effective immediately from 12:00 PM BST today, Saturday, July 19, until 11:59 PM BST on Sunday, July 20, 2025. The capital is bracing for severe impacts, with forecasts predicting up to 100mm of rain in some areas within a few hours, frequent lightning, hail up to 2cm, and gusts reaching 60mph, raising fears of flash flooding, power outages, and significant travel disruptions.

Met Office chief meteorologist Laura Paterson warned, “London faces intense thunderstorms, with heavy downpours likely to cause dangerous flooding on roads and low-lying areas.” The warning spans Greater London, Kent, Surrey, and parts of Essex, with the River Thames and smaller waterways like the Wandle at risk of overflowing. The Environment Agency has issued 18 flood warnings for the region, urging residents to avoid walking or driving through floodwater due to “danger to life” risks.

The storms follow a record-dry spring, exacerbating flood risks on parched ground. Transport for London reported delays on the Underground, particularly the District and Piccadilly lines, while National Rail warned of cancellations on routes to Brighton and Gatwick Airport. The RAC advised drivers to avoid flooded areas, stating, “Stay safe—don’t risk your vehicle or life.” Southern Water, amid a hosepipe ban in nearby Hampshire, noted that while rainfall could aid reservoirs, overwhelmed drainage systems may worsen urban flooding.

Social media is flooded with #LondonStormChaos posts, with X users sharing videos of lightning strikes over Tower Bridge and flooded streets in Croydon. One user, @CityWeatherUK, posted, “London’s getting hammered! #severeweather,” while @ThamesResident warned of “rivers running through streets.” The Met Office links the extreme weather to climate change, noting that warmer air fuels heavier rainfall.

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