Some areas of the emergency department at Newham hospital in Plaistow have been flooded while staff at Whipps Cross hospital in Leytonstone are dealing with "operational issues" due to the torrential rain. Both hospitals are run by Barts Health NHS Trust. Communities in east London have been badly hit by the heavy rain that hit the capital this afternoon.

       ITV's Paul Brand said extra staff have been called in to the hospitals.

       He said ambulances heading to either hospital are being directed to other facilities due to the flooding.

       He tweeted: "Understand a critical incident has been declared at London hospitals this evening due to flooding at Newham and Whipps Cross.

       "Major impact on Newham Emergency Department and maternity and other wards at Whipps Cross. Ambulances being redirected."

       Newham hospital said part of its emergency department was submerged in water.

       The hospital tweeted: "Our emergency department has flooded in some areas.

       "We're still here if you need us but to help us while we fix things please attend a neighbouring hospital if possible."

       Whipps Cross hospital confirmed on its Twitter account that staff were dealing with "operational issues due to the heavy rainfall".

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       The hospital urged people to "please use an alternative A&E if possible".

       Downpours hit London this afternoon, causing travel chaos for millions.

       At least eight Tube stations were forced to close due to rising floodwaters and countless businesses had to close their stores.

       People living in parts of north-east London were seen using buckets, brooms and wooden boards to create makeshift flood defences for their homes.

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       Restaurant manager Mariya Peeva, who lives in Woodford, said her neighbour's bedroom was flooded, and her son worked with other residents to prevent the rising rainwater from deluging their home.

       Ms Peeva, 46, said: "My son went to buy some food from the local shop - by the time he came back the whole street and the pavement were already flooded and the water was coming into our front door."

       Eddie Elliott, 28, said after observing the rising waters as he cycled past Queenstown Road station he concluded it was the worst flooding he had ever seen.

       He said the rain had caused the street to be "totally shut down".

       He said: "Having been born and raised in London, I have never seen anything quite like it.

       "It stands out as the worst I've experienced personally... totally shut down the whole road with buses stood broken down in the water."

       Standon Calling festival in Hertfordshire has been cancelled due to the rain which arrived as the event was half-way through its final day.

       Organisers of the event said: "Unfortunately due to flooding we will no longer be able to proceed with the festival.

       "If you can safely leave the site this evening please do so as soon as possible.

       "We are working on getting everyone off site as safely and quickly as possible."

       Mayor of London Sadiq Khan took to Twitter to reassure Londoners that emergency services were doing all they could to respond to calls.

       He said:: "Local emergency services, London Fire, and Met Police UK are responding to significant flooding across London.

       "If you're travelling, check your route as multiple TfL bus, tube and rail services are affected.

       "Avoid walking or driving through flood water. In an emergency, call 999."