Severe delays are affecting the Elizabeth line on Tuesday morning, June 23, after heavy rain caused flooding at a busy station and a points failure disrupted services. Transport for London (TfL) reported no service between Heathrow Terminal 4 and Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3 due to flooding from the overnight downpour.
Flooding suspends Heathrow shuttle
According to TfL's website, "No service between Heathrow Terminals 2&3 and Heathrow Terminal 4 due to flooding caused by heavy rain." The suspension affects the airport shuttle link, leaving passengers needing alternative transport between terminals. Minor delays are also reported across the entire Elizabeth line because of a points failure at Southall, with severe delays specifically between Whitechapel and Shenfield.
Wider network impacts
The flooding also disrupted London Tramlink, with no service between Sandilands and Elmers End/Beckenham Junction. This comes as the UK braces for a severe heatwave, with the Met Office issuing an amber warning for extreme heat on Tuesday and a red weather warning for Thursday and Friday. Rail passengers across the UK have been urged not to travel over the coming days due to the extreme weather, with refunds being offered and only essential travel advised.
On Monday, TfL warned of delays to the network, noting that the Elizabeth Line and Overground would be most affected. At a station in Ruislip, one X user reported intense rain and lightning, saying: "This storm is something else. I had a job down at Ruislip earlier and this rain and [lightning] is insane. I've not seen anything like this in years in London. I've not seen flash flooding this bad in Ruislip in quite a few years." Another commented: "Been non stop thunder for like a hour with insane looking strikes."
