Southern services will continue to be disrupted all day after almost a month’s worth of rain last night flooded track and earlier blocked Clapham Junction and Victoria stations.
At 1pm, 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. Some 4cm of rain (over 1.5 inches) – fell across Sussex overnight in the thunderstorms.
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.
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 3-7pm, 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.”
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.
