Thousands of rail commuters were braced for rush-hour travel chaos this evening after torrential rain and flash floods hit south London.
Southern Rail passengers were warned to expect delays and cancellations on major commuter routes after thunderstorms brought heavy downpours to parts of the capital.
Drivers were being forced to run trains at reduced speeds between stations including Sutton and West Croydon following the flooding.
Flash floods left cars submerged underwater following torrential downpours in Mitcham, Croydon and Wallington with three people having to be rescued by firefighters.
The road outside Wallington rail station was completely swallowed up by water about two-metres deep.
One builder has described the moment he hurled a brick through a car window to save a driver who became trapped in his Mercedes.
Allow Exco Player content
This content is provided by Exco Player and may use cookies or similar technologies. Please click 'Allow and Continue' below to load the content.
Southern Rail services between Tonbridge and Redhill were also disrupted due to floods at Nutfield and between Purley and Caterham.
Passengers were urged to check for information about the rail delays online before they begin their journeys.
The disruption is expected until at least 8pm.
In a statement, Southern Rail said: “Flooding has affected various routes on the Southern network.
“Passengers may use Tramlink, London Buses and Thameslink on any reasonable route."