Harrow is waking up to serious flooding this morning after a burst water main forced the A409 to close in both directions. The road is shut between Locket Road and Palmerston Road, and drivers are being warned to stay clear of the area while emergency crews deal with the water.
The incident was first reported at around 4.16am, and flooding quickly spread across the carriageway. Eight bus routes are being diverted around the closure, which will cause knock-on disruption for commuters heading into central London from the Harrow and Wealdstone area.
Harrow Council has urged drivers to avoid Wealdstone High Street at the junction with George Gange Way, describing the flooding as significant. Emergency services are at the scene, and motorists are being asked to follow signed diversions and allow extra time for their journeys.
The flooding comes as Storm Austen batters the capital, with a yellow wind warning in force until 21:00 and heavy rain expected through the morning — conditions that will not help the water drain away. Our hour-by-hour forecast for today shows the heaviest rain falling around lunchtime.
Burst water mains are typically isolated by the water company before repairs begin, a process that can keep roads closed for several hours. Thames Water has not yet said when the A409 is expected to reopen. Follow this page for the latest updates through the morning.
This is a developing story — new updates will appear live on this page through the morning.
