Flooding has closed roads across Kingston and Elmbridge and left gardens underwater.
Pic: Victoria James
At least two polling stations were flooded, just in time for the EU referendum vote, and have had to be moved.
New Malden high street at the railway bridge is shut and one resident described Telegraph Hill in Hinchley Wood as "a river".
The flooding has meant Kingston Council has had to move two polling stations for today’s EU referendum.
Heavy rainfall near the Shiraz Mirza Trust Manor Park Hall, in Malden Road, means that station has been moved to Malden Manor Children’s Centre, in Lawrence Avenue.
The station in Devon Way, in Chessington, has been moved to the Hook Centre, in Hook Road.
Signs are put up to let residents know about the changed venue (pic: SWNS)
A Kingston Council spokeswoman said: “Heavy rainfall over night has resulted in the closure of two polling stations.
"We had plans in place to minimise this disruption and alternative polling stations have opened nearby."
Firefighter Simon Jakeman arrived at the Chessington polling station to vote this morning.
The Devon Way station (Pic: SWNS)
He said: “I went just after 7am and literally there was a river running along the car park. You had to wade through it. They said it was open and you had to walk around the back of the building.
"I just had trainers and jeans on, it was just boot high. My feet were drenched. I was going to tunr back but thought I’d came now and might not get the chance to tonight
"The main thing is people vote – that’s why I was concerned.”
Video: Richard Johnson
Facebook user Stuart Tree took the stunning photo below of lightning near Chessington and Epsom.
Surbiton station was closed this morning. Check our traffic page for travel information.
Pic: Stuart Tree
Pic: Nicki Scott
The A3 was heavily flooded between Claygate and Esher. Pic: Kelly Saunders
Flooding in Worcester Park. Pic: Richard Johnson
New Malden High Street at the junction with Coombe Road is closed due to flooding. Contractors are working to remove the water.
— Kingston Council (@RBKingston) June 23, 2016
The polling station at Sacred Heart School, New Malden today. Wear your wellies to vote! #Referendum #Flooding pic.twitter.com/ihgvZCPnKf
— Merton Council (@Merton_Council) June 23, 2016
Flooding in New Malden. Pic: Ben Mole
London Fire Brigade said it had received more than 500 emergency calls due to heavy rain and thunderstorms.
The brigade said: "Incidents attended by our crews have included flooded commercial and domestic properties, flooded roads, and vehicles that have been trapped by flood water.
"Firefighters also attended a number of calls to reports of property being struck by lightning. Thankfully there have been no reports of serious injuries."
South-east London was particularly badly affected, the brigade said.
An image from Kingston police, below, showed Burlington Road, near the New Malden A3 roundabout and B&Q, was completely submerged.
Pic: Kingston police
South West Trains services through Wimbledon were delayed or cancelled, as were District line tube trains and London Tramlink.
Trains from Surbiton and Hampton Court were severely disrupted, and services were not running from Weybridge to Waterloo via Staines, South West Trains said.
Buses were to replace trains between Shepperton and Fulwell until about 12pm.
- Are you affected? Email your photos and news to Jon.sharman@london.newsquest.co.uk
Surbiton station is closed. Pic: David Lindsell
Water flooded the tracks at Claygate station. Pic: David Cowie
A car goes up in smoke in Worcester Park. Pic: Claudia Osorio
A commuter on Twitter described seeing a car stranded in 8ft of water at the Raynes Park junction of the A3.
Police warned drivers to avoid the bypass at Coombe Lane due to severe flooding.
Photos posted on Facebook showed water bubbling up from drains in Worcester Park as motorists negotiated significant standing water.
The polling station in Cheesington. Pic: Simon Jakeman
Heavy rainfall overnight has lead to us having to move a polling station in Chessington pic.twitter.com/1n6AJhE0fw
— Kingston Council (@RBKingston) June 23, 2016
Pic: Frances Andrew
In Hinchley Wood flooding has disrupted the electricity supply, it was reported.
Sports Day was cancelled at Claygate Primary School Pic: Claygate Primary School
Claygate Primary School was also forced to cancel their Sports Day due to sodden tracks on their sports pitches.
Raleigh Drive in Esher was also left underwater. Pic: Tasha Grant
Littleworth Lane in Esher was closed due to floods. Pic: Mark Turvill
- Has the flooding affected your attempts to vote this morning? Send an email to jonathan.mitchell@london.newsquest.co.uk
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