[bbc news] Travel disruption and floods in South East after thunderstorms

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• published: 23 Jun 2016
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[bbc news] Travel disruption and floods in South East after thunderstorms Cars are submerged and some polling stations have closed after flooding hit London and the South East. Two polling stations in Kingston and another in Barking closed after 40mm (1.5in) of rain fell in some areas. Several people have been rescued by boat as London Fire Brigade said it had attended more than 400 incidents, including flooded premises and properties hit by lightning. Forecasters have warned further thundery downpours are expected later. Southern have advised commuters to "start your journey home early" because of heavy rain forecast for the evening rush hour All lines affected by flooding on London Underground have reopened although there are still delays reported and Balham station remains closed On the rail network companies including Southeastern, South West Trains and Greater Anglia are reporting major problems and Gatwick Express has a reduced service Many roads have reopened although localised flooding in Barking and on Victoria Embankment are still causing delays, Transport for London says. The Met Office has issued an amber "be prepared" warning for this evening In Chessington, local resident John Tindall said there was about 15cm (6in) of fast flowing water in the polling station on Devon Way when he tried to vote earlier. Kingston Council said the station had now been closed and moved to the Hook Centre on Hook Road. The Shiraz Mirza polling station has also been moved to Malden Manor Children's Centre in Lawrence Avenue while the polling station at St Thomas More Church in Barking has been shut because of a burst water main. In Kent, a Dover polling station is being run on a generator because of a power outage, Dover District Council said. UK Power Networks said electrical equipment became submerged in the floods causing power cuts across the region, but it was "doing all it can to restore power as soon as possible". The Environment Agency has issued six red flood warnings while rivers in Bromley and Sidcup in south-east London, and Basildon, Essex, have been affected. There remain 40 flood alerts in place. Some people in Barking had to be rescued from their homes by London Fire Brigade using boats. While in Romford, a couple who are set to become first-time parents were forced out of their ground-floor flat after water began "pouring" into the building overnight. David Sandor and his wife Lidia, who is eight months pregnant, said they would not be able to return to their home for two months because of the damage caused. A teenager and his dad were also rescued by fire crews near Romford after they were caught in flood water in Colliers Row, while trying to get to school in Croydon. Paul Greaves described the area as "gridlock… because of the rising water" and said he and his son Josh were "lucky" rescuers had been in the area when they left their car and tried to walk to a nearby station. Welcome you to my channel. Thank you for watching video. Prays to God for everyone to be happy I love everyone Good luck!