UK weather – live: Flood alerts still in place in aftermath of Hurricane Nigel as more rain forecast

Britain was hit by torrential rain yesterday as the remnants of Hurricane Nigel and Lee continue to sweep across the UK and flood warnings remain in place.

The storm initially formed in the centre of the Atlantic on Saturday but quickly picked up power, developing into a Category 1 hurricane on Monday morning.

Forecasters say while Nigel has likely peaked as it moved across the Atlantic, strong winds are still expected. Flood warnings remain in place across Hertfordshire and Gloucestershire.

As the effects of Hurricane Nigel die down, Britons can mostly expect a brighter day today with some showers in the north west and south east.

Winds are expected in the north west.

The Met Office added: “In the afternoon, the scattered showers will become widespread across the UK, staying light. Patchy cloud and sunny spells. There is going to be a gentle to moderate westerly breeze.”

Key Points

• Commuter chaos as trains cancelled due to heavy rain

• Emergency services called out due to flooding

• Wet weather to continue through into next week

Pausing weather reporting

13:14 , Lydia Patrick

We are now pausing our reporting for the weather live blog, but here are some shocking scenes from the storms yesterday when roads turned into rivers.

London roads turn into rivers after ‘monsoon’ rain ahead of Hurricane Nigel

Watch - Cars splash through submerged roads as heavy flooding hits London

13:00 , Lydia Patrick

Cars splash through submerged roads as heavy flooding hits London

A warning to drivers as roads recover from downpour

12:00 , Lydia Patrick

In the aftermath of rains and thunderstorms, roads have taken a severe hit with heightened congestion – an expert says drivers should be cautious to help avoid any unwanted surprises.

A spokesperson for satnav app Waze said:

“Several regions across southern parts of the UK have been hit with severe flooding following the heavy downpours with further rainfall expected today. This is causing significant congestion for drivers in London, with our Waze map showing heavy traffic on the A304, Fulham Road in Fulham and speeds as low as 5mph. Bumper to bumper traffic can also be seen on the A219 in Fulham high street with reported speeds of 3mph.”

A soggy Sunday ahead

11:15 , Lydia Patrick

After a needed respite from heavy rain, Britons can expect to need their umbrellas this Sunday.

The Met Office predicts heavy rain and wind, especially in the north west. Hold on to your hats!

Mapped - Rainfall today

10:30 , Lydia Patrick

Friday brings a brighter day for most as a welcome relief from yesterday’s torrential rain.

Watch - Water pours from tube station ceiling as London hit by flash flooding

09:45 , Lydia Patrick

Flood alerts remain in parts of England as remnants of Hurricane Nigel bring more rain

09:30 , Lydia Patrick

A flood warning and several flood alerts are active in parts of the UK as the remnants of Hurricane Nigel lash Britain with rains and strong winds.

After heavy rainfall at the tail end of Hurricane Lee left streets across London flooded, a flood warning is active in Keswick Campsite and flood alerts are in seven places, including Herefordshire and Gloucestershire.

The Met Office said in an update that 20 flood warnings expired and added that showers will ease in inland areas, with “sunshine and showers for most” on Friday.

The weather department also said it will remain “windy in the far north”.

“In the afternoon, the scattered showers will become widespread across the UK, staying light. Patchy cloud and sunny spells. There is going to be a gentle to moderate westerly breeze,” it said.

Read the full report here

Flood alerts remain in parts of England as Hurricane Nigel remnants bring more rain

Today’s weather forecast

09:15 , Lydia Patrick

Most of the UK awoke this morning to clear skies, but some showers are to be expected in the northwest and southeast.

There will be sunny spells elsewhere and those in the northwest can expect wind.

Good morning and welcome to our live weather blog

09:01 , Lydia Patrick

Welcome back to our live updates as flood alerts remain in place in parts of the UK.Strath Oykel, Scotland and Keswick, England are among the places warned that flooding is possible on Friday.It comes after the remnants of Hurricane Nigel swept the UK yesterday, causing travel chaos as trains were cancelled and delayed.We’ll be bringing you live updates throughout the day!

Hurricane Nigel transforming into “typical mid-latitude low pressure system”

Thursday 21 September 2023 19:30 , Athena Stavrou

The Met Office have said that Hurricane Nigel, which is currently bringing heavy rain and thunder to the UK, is transforming into a “typical mid-latitude low pressure system”.

In a tweet, the Met Office wrote: “Hurricane Nigel in the Atlantic is currently transforming into a typical mid-latitude low pressure system. The deep area of low pressure will head towards the UK over the weekend, but will remain offshore, out to the northwest”

Londoners spot rainbows in brief break from extreme weather

Thursday 21 September 2023 19:00 , Athena Stavrou

West Londoners spotted a double rainbow this evening as torrential rain paused for a brief moment.

One social media user snapped a photo of the rainbows and wrote: “Double the rainbow, double the luck?”

Britons report “showering outside” as torrential rain continues

Thursday 21 September 2023 18:30 , Athena Stavrou

Social media users have warned others, “don’t go out”, as torrential rain sweeps over the UK.

One user said: “Friends. Don’t go out in the supposed light rain in london im literally showering outside.”

Met office advise commuters to have “umbrella or raincoat” for thundery journey home

Thursday 21 September 2023 18:11 , Athena Stavrou

The Met Office have advised Britons to have an umbrella or raincoat for their journey home this evening as Hurricane Nigel continues to bring heavy rain.

In a tweet, the Met Office wrote: “Have you got an umbrella or raincoat for your journey home?

“Heavy and thundery showers are moving northeast across much of the south of the UK.”

Woman suffers “life-changing” injuries after tree fell on her

Thursday 21 September 2023 17:00 , Athena Stavrou

A woman, in her 30s, has suffered “life-changing” injuries after a tree fell on her this morning amidst storm chaos.

The Metropolitan Police were called at 9:28am this morning to assist a woman on Fulham Palace Road in Hammersmith, London.

A spokesperson from Met Police said: “Officers attended along with paramedics from the London Ambulance Service.

“The woman, aged in her 30s, was taken to hospital where her injuries were assessed as not life-threatening, however may be life-changing.”

They also confirmed that a second woman was treated for minor injuries.

Hurricane Nigel to bring the UK a wet weekend

Thursday 21 September 2023 16:30 , Athena Stavrou

Extreme weather conditions brought by the Category 1 Hurricane Nigel are expected to bring the UK a wet weekend.

While a ridge of high pressure will bring a “fine start to the weekend”, the west of the UK will see the influence of Hurricane Nigel.

The Met Office predict that persistent, and at times heavy, rain is likely to influence the weather from the west by Saturday afternoon, with further rain likely on Sunday and Monday.

Unfortunately, the continuation of the adverse weather could bring some disruption for some through the weekend and into early next week.

Londoners expect to "hear sirens very soon” as extreme weather continues

Thursday 21 September 2023 15:49 , Athena Stavrou

Social media users have shared their latest fears as rain from Hurricane Nigel and Lee picks up again.

One social media user said that he expects “to hear sirens wailing very soon” following a downpour of rain over his south London home.

Half an inch of rain fell in ten minutes this afternoon, with more downpours expected later.

Met Office forecast warns of heavy showers and thunder this afternoon

Thursday 21 September 2023 15:04 , Athena Stavrou

The Met Office have predicted “some heavy and thundery” rainfall later in the day.

Although the day started out largely clear for most of the UK, Britons can expect wetter conditions with persistent wind.

Showers are expected to persist in the far west and and southeast throughout the night.

Met Office Advice for driving in storms

Thursday 21 September 2023 14:07 , Athena Stavrou

The Met Office says that if a road is flooded to “turn around, don’t drown” as the number one cause of death during flooding is driving through flood water.

They say that just 12 inches of moving water can float your car, potentially taking it into deeper water.

Other advice issued includes choosing main roads, using dipped headlights and keeping an eye out for gaps between trees, buildings or bridges as you are more likely to be exposed to side winds here.

Satellite footage capture Hurricane Nigel crossing the Atlantic

Thursday 21 September 2023 13:35 , Athena Stavrou

Hurricane Nigel’s huge eye has been pictured via satellite as it crosses the Atlantic Ocean.

Where in Wales is most likely to flood?

Thursday 21 September 2023 12:59 , Athena Stavrou

The Met Office has issued five flood alerts in Wales.

The most impacted areas include the north east of Wales, near Llangollen, and in the South West, near Lower Towy.

Parts of Snowdonia National Park around the River Dee have also been issued flood alerts.

There are no flood warnings or severe flood warnings as of yet.

Where is most likely to flood in England?

Thursday 21 September 2023 12:49 , Athena Stavrou

The Met Office has issued flood warnings and alerts across England.

Cumbria in the north west is expected to be hit the worst, with areas within the Lake District at the most risk.

Flooding is expected at campsites bordering the shores of Derwent Water and the Met Office have warned visitors to “avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses”.

They also ask people do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water.

The Met Office have also issued 17 other flood alerts across England in areas such as York, Carlisle and Christchurch.

Severe flooding in London following ‘monsoon’ rain - with more coming

Thursday 21 September 2023 11:54 , Athena Stavrou

The capital has been hit by ‘monsoon’ type rain overnight - with more expected to come.

One social media user joked she “wasn’t sure whether to run or swim” around the streets of London, while another compared it to “monsoon weather” in Croydon.

London roads turn into rivers after ‘monsoon’ rain ahead of Hurricane Nigel

Shops closed as storm wrecks havoc

Thursday 21 September 2023 11:43 , Athena Stavrou

People have reported their local shops have had to close as Nigel continues to wreck havoce across the UK.

A Tesco Extra store in Brooklands, Surrey was forced to close this morning due to damage done by the extreme rain and winds overnight.

A Tesco Spokesperson said: “Our Brooklands Extra store is open as normal after a brief closure this morning, due to flooding caused by heavy rainfall. We apologise for the inconvenience.”

Flooding takes over city streets as weather chaos continues

Thursday 21 September 2023 11:20 , Athena Stavrou

Britons have reported extreme flooding across the UK.

London was hit particularly badly overnight as many woke up to completely flooded roads in the capital.

When will the rain stop?

Thursday 21 September 2023 10:59 , Athena Stavrou

According to the Met Office, the extreme weather is here to stay and will likely worsen over the weekend.

More persistent, and at times heavy, rain is likely to influence the weather by Saturday afternoon, with further rain likely on Sunday and Monday.

The Met Office say the continued downpour could bring disruption for some throughout the weekend and into early next week.

A spokesperson said:“Some of this rain is likely to be quite slow moving on Sunday and Monday, with in excess of 100mm of rain possible over some of the hills as part of this event.”

Predicted path of Hurricane Nigel as it cross the Atlantic

Thursday 21 September 2023 10:49 , Athena Stavrou

Hurricane Nigel initially formed in the centre of the Atlantic on Saturday but quickly picked up power, developing into a Category 1 hurricane on Monday morning.

Below you can see the latest path prediction of the storm as it makes it’s way over the Atlantic Ocean to Britain.

Commuter chaos as railway wires damaged

Thursday 21 September 2023 10:33 , Athena Stavrou

Railway passengers woke up to severe disruption this morning in the wake of heavy rain overnight.

A National Rail statement said all lines between London Kings Cross, Moorgate and Stevenage, Hertfordshire were closed following “a number of incidents”.

They advised trains may be cancelled or delayed by up to 90 minutes.

Customers have been warned not to travel on routes which usually run through Stevenage after damage to overhead electric wires resulted in the closure of all rail lines via the station.

Disruption was also reported through Tulse Hill in Lambeth and Cheltenham Spa, as well as between Lewes and Wivelsfield in East Sussex and West Ealing and Greenford in west London.

Emergency services rushed out as London roads turn to rivers

Thursday 21 September 2023 10:17 , Athena Stavrou

The London Fire Brigade responded to “numerous calls” about flooding across London last night, as streets in the capital turned to rivers amidst heavy rainfall.

Welcome to our live weather coverage

Thursday 21 September 2023 10:00 , Athena Stavrou

Hello and welcome to our live blog as the remnants of Hurricane Nigel sweep across the UK, bringing with it torrential rain and winds.

The Category 1 hurricane arrived in Britain at the same time the UK is still seeing the effects of Hurricane Lee which brought heavy rain earlier this week.

The Met Office has issued flood warnings across England, Scotland and Wales because of the extreme weather and warn “properties may flood”.

The storm initially formed in the centre of the Atlantic on Saturday but quickly picked up power, developing into a Category 1 hurricane on Monday morning.

Forecasters say while Nigel has likely peaked as it moved across the Atlantic, strong winds are still expected.

Heavy winds are due to continue to cause disruption throughout the day. The met office also warn that heavy rain will likely persist in the UK throughout the weekend and cause disruption early into next week.

We’ll bring you all the latest updates throughout the day.