Storms mean more railway chaos

Rail users have been warned to check before they travel following last night's torrential rain.
Flooding at Clapham Junction after last night's heavy rain. Picture courtesty of SouthernFlooding at Clapham Junction after last night's heavy rain. Picture courtesty of Southern
Flooding at Clapham Junction after last night's heavy rain. Picture courtesty of Southern

Southern Rail has said services will continue to be disrupted all day after almost a month’s worth of rain fell last night.

More than an inch-and-a-half of rain fell across Sussex, with the whole of the south east affected. A statement from Southern said that, as of 1pm today, two out of the four tracks between Balham and Clapham Junction, London’s busiest station, were still blocked, with water being pumped out at Wandsworth Common.

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Trains are passing through West Norwood but only at a very slow speed, again because of flooding, and there are signalling issues at Honor Oak Park and outside Victoria. The West London route to Milton Keynes is also suspended because of flooding at Imperial Wharf and will be shut for the rest of the day.

Flooding at Clapham Junction after last night's heavy rain. Picture courtesty of SouthernFlooding at Clapham Junction after last night's heavy rain. Picture courtesty of Southern
Flooding at Clapham Junction after last night's heavy rain. Picture courtesty of Southern

Network Rail, which maintains the track and signalling systems, is keeping a close eye on Wandsworth Common. Trains are set to resume running on the Tonbridge to Redhill line at 2.30pm after earlier flooding in Bletchingley Tunnel and near Nutfield.

A spokesman for Southern said: “This has been a very difficult morning for our passengers, for which we would like to apologise, and the severe disruption is going to continue throughout the day. Areas of track are still flooded and more localised thundery downpours are expected from 3pm to 7pm, with up to 2cm of rain on saturated ground likely to create further localised flooding.

“Our trains and traincrew are severely displaced. We will do our very best to keep passengers moving and to update them with the latest information.”

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Network Rail said: “The orange army is out in force today working with heavy duty equipment to clear flood water and repair damage, and we are doing all we can to keep trains running. More severe weather is forecast this afternoon and we would advise passengers to check before they travel, either with Southern or National Rail Enquiries.”

Passengers who have been delayed for 30 minutes or more can apply for compensation at www.southernrailway.com, where passengers are also advised to check for the latest travel information.

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