London's transport network is experiencing major disruption this morning after an 'explosive' thunderstorm caused flooding and a signal failure affected multiple Tube lines. The entire Circle line is suspended, while the District, Metropolitan, and Hammersmith & City lines are also suspended in sections. Elizabeth line trains are not running between Heathrow Terminals 2&3 and Heathrow Terminal 4 due to water from heavy rain.
Signal failure causes severe delays
A signal system failure at Harlesden has led to severe delays on the Bakerloo line between Queen's Park and Harrow & Wealdstone, with minor delays on the rest of the line. The same issue has suspended the Circle line entirely and caused no service on parts of the District, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines.
According to Transport for London (TfL), the District line has no service between Whitechapel and Wimbledon, Kensington (Olympia), Edgware Road, Ealing Broadway, and Richmond, with severe delays between Upminster and Whitechapel. The Hammersmith & City line has no service between Moorgate and Barking, and severe delays on the rest of the line. The Metropolitan line has no service between Baker Street and Aldgate, with severe delays between Harrow-on-the-Hill and Baker Street and minor delays on the rest of the line due to a signal failure at Pinner.
Flooding impacts rail and tram services
Heavy rain has also caused flooding on the Elizabeth line, resulting in no service between Heathrow Terminals 2&3 and Heathrow Terminal 4. Severe delays are reported between Paddington and Heathrow Terminal 5 and Reading due to an earlier points failure at Southall. The rest of the line is operating with a good service.
London Tramlink services are experiencing severe delays between Sandilands and Elmers End and Beckenham Junction due to earlier flooding. TfL has advised passengers to find alternative routes. The Liberty line also has severe delays due to train cancellations.
Hot weather precautions reduce service
In response to forecasted hot weather, TfL has reduced service on the Mildmay line. This is a precautionary measure to prevent overheating and ensure passenger safety. It is unclear when normal service will resume.
Rebecca McCulloch, Trainee Multimedia Reporter for MyLondon, is providing live updates. She encourages readers to share pictures or videos of flooding via email at rebecca.mcculloch@reachplc.com.
