London has been placed on flood alert as three weeks worth of rain is predicted to fall in just three hours.

Up to 40mm of rain could fall on the city - and across South East England - and the Environment Agency has urged people to be prepared for travel disruptions on Monday evening (October 5) and Tuesday (October 6), and to watch out for localised flooding.

A flood alert - meaning 'flooding possible, be prepared' - has been issued for Yeading Brooks East and West, at Ruislip and Harrow.

Issuing a yellow weather warning for rain, the Met Office said: "Later on Monday, a few places may receive more than 15mm of rain in an hour, with totals perhaps in excess of 40mm in several hours.

"Minor disruption due to flooding is likely, with an additional risk of very isolated more substantial impacts."

Forecasters have warned the tail end of Hurricane Joaquin, the strongest hurricane in five years, has caused the change in weather as it sweeps across the Atlantic.

It is expected to clear up overnight, with humid conditions to follow on Tuesday.

The Met Office have also warned of more Atlantic tempests than usual over the next three months, including further flood risks and gales, caused by the warming of the Pacific Ocean.