More than half a month’s worth of rain fell in an hour in some places

Floods

Lightning strikes, hail, torrential rain and flash flooding have hit parts of the east and south-east England, causing travel chaos.

There have also been reports of problems on the roads in Sussex, Essex and London.

According to reports, the London Fire Brigade said it had been called to help people trapped in their cars, while the police has issued warnings to drivers.

The Met Office issued a severe weather warning today for the south-east of England as more than half a month’s worth of rain fell in an hour in some places.