Rain floods London Tube stations

A number of London Underground stations were closed on Tuesday evening after a series of thunderstorms led to floods.

Victoria, Paddington and Hyde Park Corner Tube stations were shut at about 1730 BST after torrential rain hit central London with hail and lightning.

All stations have reopened and overground services from Victoria station also resumed after disruption.

There were a number of flood warnings at rivers and tributaries in south-east London including River Ravensbourne.

On Tuesday many commuters were left stranded outside Victoria station and left having to find alternative routes out of the capital.

Sara Livesey, 40, who works in recruitment, was trying to get home to Beckenham in Kent.

She said: "I waited in the office until the rain stopped, thinking I was leaving at a good time and I can't believe this, I'm just dumbstruck. It's only been raining for 20 minutes and this happens, what a joke."

Personal assistant Elana Turner, 29, executive assistant Lou Barr, 28, and accountant Cathy Bishop, 37, said they were looking on the bright side, despite their difficulty in getting home to Beckenham.

Ms Barr said: "Everyone's really moody, some woman came by us shouting, 'Can you just keep moving?' and we just thought, 'Where?' Everyone's so grumpy but I'm secretly quite happy because it means I don't have to go to the gym."

Ms Turner added: "There was only a few minutes of rain and this happens. I think we're going to have to walk somewhere."

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