Flooding London: Hackney Wick canal bursts banks after heavy rain and train cancellations and delays

Heavy rain on Thursday night (January 4) brought flooding to parts of London and disrupted rail services around the south of England.

In Hackney Wick, 10 fire engines and around 70 firefighters were called to flooding in Hackney Wick after the Lea Navigation burst its banks.

On the trains, National Rail reported delays in the early morning between Richmond/Clapham Junction and Gospel Oak due to flooding at Kensal Rise. Services on the South Western Railway network were facing severe disruption.

A yellow weather warning for rain had been put in place Thursday into Friday in London, following Storm Henk on Tuesday.

Hackney Wick flooding

London Fire Brigade said flooding after the canal in Hackney Wick burst its banks covered an area of around 10 acres around Dace Road, affecting nearby properties.

Around 50 people were evacuated and firefighters carried out welfare checks on around 100 people who were able to remain in their unaffected properties.

Station Commander Dan Capon, who was at the scene, said: "Firefighters worked through the night to ensure the scene was safe and evacuated a number of people from surrounding buildings.

"We urged people to avoid the area where possible. Remember - if your property is affected by flooding, move to a higher level where possible. If you are in immediate danger, call 999. Follow the advice of the operator."

The brigade was called at 10.26pm and the incident was over for firefighters by 2.50am. Crews from Bethnal Green, Leytonstone, Millwall, Plaistow, Islington and surrounding fire stations attended.

Kensal rise flooding

As of 6am, National Rail was reporting that flooding at Kensal Rise meant trains between Richmond/Clapham Junction and Gospel Oak may be cancelled or revised.

At shortly before 8am National Rail reported that the disruption had been cleared.

Great Western Railway flooding 'major disruption'

Great Western Railway reported on Friday morning that its services, along with the Elizabeth line, will continue to operate between London Paddington and Reading. But it said "flooding across the Great Western Railway network means that some lines are currently majorly disrupted".

Passengers are advised to check before they travel as some trains may be cancelled, severely delayed or diverted.

The company reported flooding sites at Bedwyn, Castle Cary, Southampton Central, Romsey, Lydney, Looe Branch, Newbury and Aldermaston.

London Friday weather forecast

The Met Office is forecasting no further major downpours, with the day largely cloudy, with a chance of showers. Temperatures could reach 8°C.

London flood warnings

There are currently four flood warnings - meaning flooding is expected - in the London area:

• Chertsey Bourne at Chertsey
• Properties closest to the River Thames from Runnymede Pleasure Grounds, Staines to Penton Hook
• River Pinn at Ruislip
• River Roding at Loughton