PASSENGERS have been warned of travel chaos after roads surrounding a major UK airport were flooded and left “totally inaccessible”.
Holidaymakers travelling to Luton Airport this morning were “jammed for miles” after roads became completely waterlogged over night.
Footage outside the airport showed the “total chaos” as backlogged traffic tried to navigate the flooded areas.
The main roundabout appeared to be the worse affected area.
Emergency workers could be seen with equipment to drain the water.
One person shared on social media: “Luton Airport totally inaccessible due to flooding at main roundabout, all roads jammed for miles, will be hours until sorted out, total chaos.”
A Luton Airport spokesperson said: “Due to adverse weather, localised flooding is possible.
“Please allow extra time for your journey to and from the airport.
“Public transport could also be affected. For the latest status of your flight, please contact your airline.”
Gatwick Express also urged rail users to check their journeys.
A spokesperson said: “Due to the consistent overnight rainfall throughout the GTR network, a number of services are expected to be impacted this morning.
“The first services through the areas listen on the next message will report back on current track conditions.
“They will travel their route at reduced speeds, and so will likely run with delays and could be altered at short notice.”
Meanwhile, Footie fans were also disappointed to learn AFC Wimbledon and Newcastle’s Carabao Cup third-round meeting tomorrow has been called off due to “extensive overnight flooding” at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
The Dons’ stadium in London is closed as a result, with a rescheduled date yet to be confirmed.
A statement on Wimbledon’s official website read: “We regret to inform supporters that due to extensive overnight flooding of the River Wandle and surrounding areas, including at our Cherry Red Records Stadium, Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup third-round fixture against Newcastle United has been postponed.
“More information will follow in due course regarding fixture rearrangement.
“The stadium is closed until further notice.”
It comes as The Environment Agency issued a flood warning for parts of England today.
As of 7.40am, 13 flood warnings – meaning flooding is expected – were issued for England by the Environment Agency.
Areas affected by the flood warnings include Atherstone in Warwickshire, Leighton Buzzard and Luton in Bedfordshire and parts of London including Wimbledon and South Ruislip.
The Met Office also placed parts of Wales, much of the south of England, the Midlands and into north-west England and Yorkshire under a yellow rain warning.
An amber warning came into force at 5am this morning and will last until 9pm, sweeping over Worcester, Birmingham, Nottingham and Hull.
And, some affected areas could see a whopping 100 to 120mm of rain today.
Environment Agency flood duty manager Sarah Cook said “persistent heavy rain and thunderstorms” could lead to some property flooding and travel disruption.
She said: “Persistent heavy rain and thunderstorms could lead to significant surface water flooding on Monday across parts of England.
“The impacts could include localised flooding in urban areas and fast-responding catchments, including some property flooding as well as travel disruption. The risk from river flooding remains low.
“Environment Agency teams are out on the ground and ready to support local authorities in responding to surface water flooding.
“We urge people to plan their journeys carefully, follow the advice of local emergency services on the roads and not to drive through flood water – it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.
“People should check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation as well as following @EnvAgency on X, formerly Twitter, for the latest flood updates.”
Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey previously told the PA news agency that Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and up towards the Wash and the Humber could see over a month’s worth of rain falling on Monday.
Police have confirmed a number of road closures across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire following “substantial flooding” overnight.
Heavy rainfall on Sunday into Monday has seen areas such as Dunstable and Hitchin partially submerged.
Bedfordshire Police said it had closed off part of Dunstable High Street due to “substantial flooding”, with footage shared on social media showing cars battling high water around the Saracen’s Head pub.
Central Bedfordshire Council said flooding had also hit Flitwick, Cranfield and Marston Moretaine.
North Hertfordshire Police have also advised motorists to avoid some parts of Hitchin, including Walsworth Road near the town centre.
Meanwhile, storms over the weekend saw lightning trigger a terrifying explosion in Stoke-on-Trent.
Firefighters and police were called to Bambury Street in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, before a cordon went up and homes were evacuated.
