Britain braces for thunderstorms as torrential rain sweeps country: Flash flooding hits London with Tower Bridge, major roads and Tube stations left underwater as THREE INCHES of rain batters central and eastern England

 Thunderstorms could break out in parts of England this afternoon, with nearly three inches of rain set to batter central and eastern areas before the sun breaks out tomorrow after London was lashed by 'biblical' downpours during rush hour today.

Met Office meteorologist Annie Shuttleworth said that as the rain moves north-eastwards, areas of the Midlands and north-east could see 70mm of rain. She added the rain is set to ease in the south this afternoon, with a 'low risk' of thunder to follow.  

Commuters in London battled extraordinary flash flooding on their way to work as parts of the North Circular and the Blackwall Tunnel Northern Approach and Underground services including the District Line were left submerged. 

Dramatic video footage showed buses and cars struggling to get across the landmark bridge, while photos shared by angry Londoners with MailOnline also showed the A41 by Brent Cross shopping centre and Euston Road left in deep rainwater. 

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning stretching for hundreds of miles from London as far north as Hartlepool and said heavy downpours could cause disruption across England throughout the day - meaning homes could be flooded.

Forecasters warned that up to three inches of rain could fall on parts of central and eastern England. Parts of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will also experience wet weather today, but no warnings have been issued for these nations.