Flooding causes road and rail chaos while Elizabeth line suspended ‘until end of day’

Commuters have been told to delays journeys or to not travel due to heavy flooding on railway lines.

National Rail issued a “do not travel” warning following heavy flooding between Blackfriars and London St Pancras International.

Thameslink also warned that “heavy rain flooding” was causing transport chaos between St Pancras and London Bridge as Storm Conall struck.

Meanwhile, the Elizabeth line has been part-suspended again following a signal fault, bringing further severe disruption to Londoners on Wednesday morning.

TfL said there was no service between Paddington and Abbey Wood until the end of the day while they fix the fault. There are severe delays between Paddington, Heathrow Airport and Reading.

It follows an identical issue on Tuesday on the same stretch when there were no trains running for most of the day – although the line did reopen late on Tuesday evening.

Meanwhile there are severe delays on the Circle Line and Hammersmith and District lines due to a power fault.

For the latest travel updates scroll down.

Key Points

• Elizabeth line unable to run through central London ‘until the end of the day’

• Do not travel warning issued after flooding between Blackfriars and London St Pancras International

• Major roads hit by flooding overnight

Passengers left waiting for over 45 minutes at Paddington

10:10 , Jacob Phillips

Passengers have been left waiting for over 45 minutes at Paddington station as they try to travel to Wigan.

Dan and Nicholes, who did not give their surnames, were left in the dark about when their train would eventually leave as Storm Conall continued to cause transport disruption.

Dan told the Standard: “It would be good to have more information for those waiting on the platform.

“I know it must be tough for the guys on the floor trying to answer questions because they don’t actually have the information.

“For example, we don’t know why our train isn’t leaving yet, they haven’t said why.”

Trains unable to stop at Euston station to prevent overcrowding

09:56 , Jacob Phillips

Trains have been unable to stop at some platforms at Euston underground station to prevent overcrowding.

TfL warned that trains could not stop northbound on the Northern Line on the City/Bank brank.

King’s Cross station forced to shut due to overcrowding

09:54 , Jacob Phillips

King’s Cross station has been forced to shut due to overcrowding.

Commuters have described “absolute mayhem” at the station, which has since reopened.

The station was closed for around 20 minutes before reopening.

Flooding causes signalling issue on trains to Charing Cross

09:47 , Jacob Phillips

Flooding from Storm Conall has caused a signalling fault at Lower Sydenham – causing disruption on journeys to Charing Cross.

Trains between Charing Cross and Hayes have been cancelled, delayed or revised due to the issue.

This issue is expected to continue to impact services until 10.15am.

Tube network plagued by issues

09:38 , Jacob Phillips

The Tube network has been plagued by issues on Wednesday morning.

Fire alerts have caused issues on a number of lines and a shortage is also causing delays.

Elizabeth Line disruption caused by ‘software crash’ – reports

08:50 , Jacob Phillips

The director of the Elizabeth Line has apologised as disruption on the £19 billion line enters its second day.

Engineers have been trying to fix computerised signals which control the trains, ITV reports.

No trains are running in the Elizabeth line’s main tunnels between Paddington and Abbey Wood, south London.

The software crash was reportedly triggered when engineers carried out routine maintenance on the passenger information screens.

The system advises passengers when trains are due.

Howard Smith, Director of the Elizabeth line told ITV: “We apologise to customers for the disruption on the Elizabeth line.

“We are continuing to work with Siemens, our signalling supplier, to resolve issues that resulted from overnight maintenance of the system.

“We advise customers to plan ahead, allow extra time for their journeys, and check before they travel using our website or the TfL Go app.”

Gatwick Express suspended by flooding

08:45 , Jacob Phillips

Storm Conall has been causing chaos on London’s rail network on Wednesday morning.

The third named storm of the season is expected to bring heavy rain throughout the day.

It has already caused issues in London and National Rail has told customers not to travel until later on Wednesday morning.

It said there is heavy disruption on trains in and out of central London and journeys could take up to an hour longer than usual.

Flooding has already been reported between Blackfriars and London St Pancras International and the Gatwick Express has been suspended.

Fire alerts cause severe delays across Tube network

08:39 , Jacob Phillips

Several fire alerts are causing serious delays across the Tube network.

The Bakerloo Line is not running between Elephant and Castle and Queens Park while TfL responds to a fire alert at Paddington.

There is also no service clockwise on the Circle Line due to an earlier fire alert at High Street Kensington.

The same alert has caused severe delays between Wimbledon and Edgware Road on the District Line.

There are also severe delays between Kennington and Morden while TfL responds to a fire alert at Clapham.

Engineers on site trying to fix Elizabeth line fault

08:31 , Jacob Phillips

Engineers are on site addressing a signalling fault which has stopped trains running through central London on the Elizabeth line.

Network Rail told the Standard: “We’re sorry for the disruption to Elizabeth Line services between Abbey Wood and London Paddington.

“This is due to a fault with the signalling system.

“Our team of engineers are on site addressing the fault and passengers are advised to visit National Rail Enquires for the latest travel updates and ticket acceptance on alternative routes.”

No service on Circle Line following fire alert

08:18 , Jacob Phillips

There is currently no service on the Circle Line due to a fire alert at High Street Kensington.

There is also no service on the District Line between High Street Kensington and Edgware Road.

Major roads hit by flooding overnight

08:12 , Jacob Phillips

Several major roads had been hit by flooding overnight, including the A406 North Circular in Walthamstow. The road was closed westbound at the A112 Crooked Billet due to flooding, causing queues from Woodford.

There was queuing traffic on the A40 in Uxbridge, west London due to surface water at the M40 J1 Denham Roundabout, with congestion to Hillingdon.

Cars could also be seen driving through flooding on the A41 near Brent Cross.

Railway between London Bridge and St Pancras also hit by ‘heavy flooding’

07:53 , Jacob Phillips

Thameslink has warned that “heavy rain flooding” is also causing transport chaos near London Bridge.

In an update to a customer on X the train service wrote: “Due to heavy rain flooding the railway between London Bridge and St Pancras International all lines are blocked. We advise you delay travelling until later this morning.”

In another response it warned of heavy disruption for trains in and out of central London.

Do not travel warning after heavy flooding between Blackfriars and London St Pancras International

07:30 , Jacob Phillips

Commuters have been told “do not travel this morning” following heavy flooding between Blackfriars and London St Pancras International.

All lines are blocked between the stations and trains are being cancelled or delayed by 30 minutes.

National Rail has said disruption is expected until 10am.

It told customers: “Do not travel this morning. We advise you delay travelling until later this morning.

“There will be heavy disruption for trains in and out of central London, and your journey could take up to an hour longer than usual.”

Severe delays on several Tube lines

07:12 , Jacob Phillips

Away from the Elizabeth line there are severe delays on several Tube lines.

The Circle and Hammersmith and City lines have been hit by long delays due to power supply problems while there are severe delays between High Street Kensington and Edgware Road as TfL respond to a fire alert.

There are minor delays on the Metropolitan Line between Moor Park and Amersham due to train cancellations.

Elizabeth Line unable to run ‘until the end of the day’

07:05 , Jacob Phillips

National Rail has provided an update on the Elizabeth Line. warning that trains will not be able to run “until the end of the day”.

In has told its customers: “A fault with the signalling system between Abbey Wood and London Paddington means that all lines are closed.

“As a result, Elizabeth line services are unable to run between these stations and will be cancelled or revised.

“This is expected until the end of service.”

Elizabeth line suspended through central London again

06:48 , Matt Watts

There are major problems again on the Elizabeth line this morning with no service between Paddington and Abbey Wood due to a signalling systems fault.

It means there are no Elizabeth line trains through central London. A similar issue caused major disruption on Tuesday.

TfL said there are also severe delays between Paddington, Heathrow Airport and Reading.

Live coverage begins again

06:42 , Matt Watts

Good morning. We are beginning our London travel coverage again with major problems on the network again.

Live coverage ends

Tuesday 26 November 2024 22:32 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Here ends our live coverage for this evening. Thanks for following along. We’ll be back with you tomorrow.

In the meantime, you can catch up on all the biggest headlines from across London here.

Elizabeth Line running again but with severe delays

Tuesday 26 November 2024 22:26 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

The Elizabeth Line is now back up and running again, according to TfL’s website, which will come as good news for those yet to make their way home or due to use the line for their morning commute.

TfL says there remain “severe delays” on the line however due to the earlier signalling systems fault that left the line part-suspended for most of the day.

Overground no longer suspended

Tuesday 26 November 2024 22:24 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

The earlier part-closure of the London Overground has now been lifted.

London Overground also part-suspended

Tuesday 26 November 2024 20:26

The Elizabeth Line has been part-suspended for most of the day, and is due to remain that way for the rest of Tuesday.

London Overground is now also part-suspended, with no services running between Willesden Junction and Clapham Junction due to a points failure at Shepherd’s Bush.

TfL says Network Rail is working to fix the issue.

There are also severe delays on the Overground between Stratford and Richmond.

Passengers vent frustration amid Elizabeth Line suspension

Tuesday 26 November 2024 20:15

Crowd chaos at London Bridge as Southeastern trains disrupted by signalling fault

Tuesday 26 November 2024 18:56 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Commuters are reporting extremely large crowds at London Bridge station this evening, amid a signalling fault that is disrupting trains in and out of London.

One Londoner said passengers were unable to make their way up the stairs or escalator to reach the platform due to a “massive queue”.

The issue is thought to be connected to a signalling issue at Eden Park, which Southeastern says “is having an impact on trains inbound and outbound of London” on the Hayes line.

The crowding is thought to be compounded by more passengers using the station, amid the Elizabeth Line part-suspension.

“What’s going on at London Bridge? No announcements and everyone is held on the concourse,” wrote another on X.

Another complained platform changes were causing chaos, writing: “Between plat 6&7 it’s manic with people running from one side to the other”.

Another X user, named only as Nick, reported “dangerous overcrowding on platforms 6-7 at London Bridge due to delays”.

Elizabeth Line expected to be part-suspended all day

Tuesday 26 November 2024 18:23 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

National Rail has announced that the Elizabeth Line’s part-suspension is expected to last until the end of the day.

There has been no service between Paddington and Abbey Wood for most of the day, due to a signalling systems fault.

There are severe delays on the rest of the Elizabeth Line.

Elizabeth Line remains part-suspended

Tuesday 26 November 2024 15:52 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

For those just joining us, a reminder there remains no service on the Elizabeth Line between Paddington and Abbey Wood due to a signalling systems fault.

There are also severe delays between Paddington and Heathrow Terminals/Reading, and minor delays on the rest of the line.

Commuters met by locked gates on the Elizabeth line

Tuesday 26 November 2024 15:09 , Jacob Phillips

A commuter on the Elizabeth line was met by locked gates at Woolwich station on Tuesday morning, before returning five hours late to find the same situation.

Pritam Dias told the Standard he was unable to travel to work after a large section of the Elizabeth line was suspended throughout Tuesday.

There is still no service between Paddington and Abbey Wood while TfL deal with a signalling systems fault.

Police appeal after vehicle break-ins which shut M25

Tuesday 26 November 2024 14:49 , Jacob Phillips

Police are appealing for witnesses and information following vehicle break-ins at South Mimms services which shut the M25.

Police were called at 10.48am on Tuesday after reports of two people breaking into at least two vehicles parked at the service station.

Hertfordshire Constabulary said no weapons were seen and no injuries were sustained.

Electrical items, including a laptop, iPad and headphones were reported to have been stolen from one of the vehicles and have since been recovered.

Officers attended alongside colleagues from the National Police Air Service and, due to outstanding suspects, road closures were put in place on the M25 at junctions 23-24. These road closures have since been lifted.

One man, aged 39, was arrested on suspicion of theft from a motor vehicle and going equipped for theft. He remains in custody for questioning.

PC Daniel Hill, from the Potters Bar and Shenley Neighbourhood Policing team, said: “Enquiries continue to trace a further potential suspect who is believed to have left the scene on foot, and I am appealing for anyone with information to please contact police.

“I am also keen to speak to anyone who may have had their car damaged or have items missing and would urge them to get in touch.

“I’d also like to thank members of the public for their patience and co-operation while the M25 was temporarily closed.

“Please email me with any information via Daniel.Hill@herts.police.uk, no matter how small or insignificant you think the details you have may be.”

Police shut M25 to hunt ‘car criminals’

Tuesday 26 November 2024 14:07 , Jacob Phillips

Police are hunting a gang of suspected car criminals after break-ins at South Mimms services forced a section of the M25 to close.

Officers with Hertfordshire Police were called to the services just before 11am on Tuesday after reports of a gang breaking into people’s cars at the services.

Along with officers from the National Police Air Service, they closed the M25 between Junctions 23 and 24 in a bid to catch the suspects.

A spokesperson confirmed a man had been arrested and that police were still searching for other potential suspects.

You can read more about the police operation here.

Elizabeth Line travel chaos continues

Tuesday 26 November 2024 13:33 , Josh Salisbury

The Elizabeth Line continues to have no service between Paddington and Abbey Wood due to signaling system fault.

There are also severe delays between Paddington and Heathrow Terminals / Reading.

Manhunt after ‘car break-ins’ force M25 closure

Tuesday 26 November 2024 12:43 , Josh Salisbury

The M25 road closures have now been lifted, with police revealing they were put in place to catch suspects behind car break-ins at South Mimms services on Tuesday morning.

A man has been arrested, and police are still hunting the other suspects, a Hertfordshire Police spokesperson said.

“Officers are in attendance alongside colleagues from the National Police Air Service and, due to outstanding suspect(s), road closures were put in place on the M25 at junctions 23-24,” the spokesperson said.

“These have now been lifted.

“One man has been arrested in connection with the incident and is on the way to custody for questioning, and enquiries continue to trace potential further suspects.”

Police give update on M25 closure

Tuesday 26 November 2024 12:35 , Josh Salisbury

The section of the M25 between J23 and J24 will likely reopen shortly, a Hertfordshire Police spokesperson said, but declined to give further details on the police incident.

A spokesperson said: “We were called just before 10.50am, but looks like it’s reopening shortly.

“Part of the M25 is currently shut due to an ongoing incident.

“The road is closed at Junction 23-24 in both directions near South Mimms services.

“Motorists are asked to please avoid the area and to seek an alternative route if possible.”

Elizabeth line suspension ‘until 4pm’

Tuesday 26 November 2024 12:10 , Michael Howie

National Rail has given an update on the Elizabeth line disruption.

It says the disruption is now expected until 4pm.

That could always be pushed into evening rush hour, so commuters should perhaps start making contingency plans for getting home…

M25 shut due to police incident

Tuesday 26 November 2024 11:57 , Jacob Phillips

The M25 has been blocked in both directions and long queues are building due to a police incident on the busy motorway in north London.

The road has been shut both ways between Junction 24 A111 Stagg Hill (Potters Bar) and Junction 23 A1M (South Mimms).

Metropolitan Line running again

Tuesday 26 November 2024 11:39 , Jacob Phillips

Trains are able to run on the Metropolitan Line again after a section of the line was closed due to a gas leak.

Trains were unable to run between Harrow-on-the-Hill and Watford. There are still minor delays between the stations but there is a good service on the rest of the line.

Severe delays on the Windrush Line

Tuesday 26 November 2024 11:06 , Jacob Phillips

There are severe delays on the recently renamed Windrush Line on the London Overground.

Transport for London has said there are severe delays between Sydenham and West Croydon/Crystal Palace due to an earlier customer incident.

You can read more about the £6.3 million London Overground rebrand here.

Farrington Station exit only for Elizabeth line to prevent overcrowding

Tuesday 26 November 2024 10:19 , Jacob Phillips

Farringdon station is currently exit only for the Elizabeth Line to prevent overcrowding.

No trains running on central part of Elizabeth Line until 12.30

Tuesday 26 November 2024 10:10 , Jacob Phillips

The Elizabeth Line is unable to run through central London until lunch time following a fault with the signalling system.

The fault between Abbey Wood and London Paddington means that Elizabeth line services are currently unable to run between these stations.

Trains have been cancelled or revised.

National Rail has warned issues are expected until 12.30pm.

Burst water main outside Victoria Station causes chaos

Tuesday 26 November 2024 08:57 , Jacob Phillips

A burst water main near Victoria Station caused travel chaos on Tuesday morning after several feet of water was sent shooting in the air.

The incident at around 5am on Victoria Street in central London caused eight buses to be put on diversion as engineers closed off the westbound section of road to fix the burst pipe.

The road was partially blocked at Vauxhall Bridge Road before reopening at around 8am as engineers worked to fix the problem.

Defective track causes delays to Gatwick Airport

Tuesday 26 November 2024 08:51 , Jacob Phillips

A defective track has caused delays to Gatwick Airport.

A speed restriction has been put in place between the busy airport and Purley causing trains to be cancelled or delayed by 10 minutes.

It has caused issues on the Gatwick Express as well as on Southern Services and Thameslink trains on similar routes.

The issue is expected to cause delays until around 1pm and National Rail has told customers to allow an extra 20 minutes to complete journeys.

Gas leak stops trains on Metropolitan Line

Tuesday 26 November 2024 08:47 , Jacob Phillips

A gas leak has stopped trains running on the Metropolitan Line as commuters are trying to get to work.

There is currently no service on the line between Harrow-on-the-Hill and Watford while Transport for London respond to the leak.

Meanwhile, the Northern Line has been hit by minor delays due to difficult conditions caused by “significant leaf fall”. The issue also caused delays on the line at the weekend.

Further minor delays have been reported on the Piccadilly Line between Acton Town and Uxbridge after an earlier signal failure at Ealing Common.

Trains stopped during rush hour on Elizabeth line

Tuesday 26 November 2024 08:45 , Jacob Phillips

Trains are unable to run on a section of the Elizabeth line due to a signaling systems fault.

Transport for London warns there is no service on the busy line between Paddington and Abbey Wood during rush hour while it deals with the issue.