Flood alerts have tonight (Sunday) been issued for waterways in the St Albans district, as residents brace themselves for stormy weather.

And First Capital Connect commuters have been told that because of the severe weather forecast, there will be no services overnight or during the Monday morning peak.

The Environment Agency warned that heavy rain was forecast tonight and likely to continue through until early tomorrow morning.

As of 8.30pm the agency had issued 22 alerts for the south east, including the upper River Colne in Colney Heath and London Colney, and Tykes Water (Radlett Brook) in Radlett.

The agency said some localised flooding was possible in areas which received the highest rainfall, from rivers or surface water flooding.

In the alert, it warned that low-lying land and roads would be affected first.

The agency added: “Due to the predicted strength of the wind, an increase in tree and other debris may cause river levels to rise more rapidly around bridges and other river crossings.

“This flood alert is being issued based on a forecast and not on observed rainfall or river levels. The heavy rain will be followed by fast moving showers.”

Meanwhile, First Capital Connect (FCC) said that with gale force winds and heavy rain forecast across London and the south east, Network Rail had advised the firm, “not to operate any trains on our network from midnight on Sunday”.

FCC said that services were unlikely to resume until after 9am on Monday morning, and, “we will also be unable to operate any replacement buses when trains are suspended.

“Once trains resume, we will be operating a revised timetable with far fewer services and with extended journey times. It is possible that some lines may remain closed. We advise you not to travel.”

FCC apologised to commuters for the disruption.