News In Pictures: Hospitals In Crisis As London Goes Under Water

 London streets were yesterday left underwater and hospitals in crisis after torrential rains hit the capital, as forecasters predict more thunderstorms to continue.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for storms covering the capital and some of the Home Counties where homes and businesses are at risk of flooding. 

A yellow warning for storms which could cause travel and power disruption was issued to the south from Norwich to Plymouth.   

Parts of south east England saw up to 50mm of rain in just an hour on Sunday afternoon while thousands of revellers enjoying the first full-capacity festival since Covid-19 missed the rain, with thunderstorms recorded to the west of Henham Park in Suffolk. 

New Cross Road became 'a river' amid the heavy downpours, and video showed Pudding Lane tube station almost completely submerged. 

Newham Hospital in east London revealed on Twitter that its emergency department had 'flooded in some areas', with those needing treatment were advised to attend a different hospital.

And a critical incident was declared at Whipps Cross, which reportedly lost power and backup generators. Staff at the hospital said on Twitter: 'We're currently experiencing operational issues due to the heavy rainfall. Please use an alternative A&E if possible. Thank you!'  

A spokesperson for Barts Health NHS Trust said: 'We are experiencing operational issues at Whipps Cross Hospital and Newham Hospital due to the heavy rainfall. We are working closely with our local partners to resolve the issues and maintain patient care and - while services remain available for people in an emergency - patients are asked to attend alternative hospitals where they can, to help us put solutions in place as quickly as possible.'

Met Office rain gagessaw 34mm of rain at Sandhurst and 32mm at Wych Cross in East Sussex. An Environment Agency rain gage recorded 52mm of rainfall in an hour just west of Ashford.