Flooding at Orpington station brought major travel disruption to commuters Wednesday evening with trains services in the area delayed or cancelled.

The flooding was caused by a burst water main near to Orpington station, with the resulting disruption between Petts Wood and Orpington expected to last until 7.30pm at least.

The Met Office issued a Yellow weather warning for large portions of the UK including the South East on Wednesday, following heavy rainfall earlier in the week and more expected through Wednesday evening and into Thursday.

The trains operated by Thameslink and Southeastern rail companies were severely affected by the flooding, with both companies issuing advice and updates to passengers caught in the rush-hour travel chaos.

"Flooding at Orpington means trains may be cancelled, delayed by up to 50 minutes or revised.

"We anticipate disruption will continue until 19:30," a spokesperson for Thameslink said Wednesday evening around 6pm.

They added that services had been delayed due to trains running at reduced speed in the affected areas, and urged passengers to seek alternative routes wherever possible.

"Trains on our routes through Orpington are being delayed. Where possible, trains which do not stop at Orpington will be diverted via an alternative route between Chislehurst and Sevenoaks.

"Services may be altered at short notice while we work to reduce the delays caused by this incident.

"Please check your journey using the Journey Planner, and allow extra time to make your journey this evening," Thameslink said.

News Shopper: Image: ThameslinkImage: Thameslink

Southeastern for their part said they were working with Network Rail to mitigate the disruption.

"Trains cannot currently run through #Orpington station because of flooding in the area.

"We're working with Network Rail to get those stations in the area safely in to platforms ASAP," a spokesperson for the company said on Twitter.

They added that trains expected to travel through the area might be cancelled while emergency work was carried out.

"Other trains will be diverted via Sevenoaks or cancelled," Southeastern said.

Both railway operators and Network rail advised commuters to use bus replacements services being put on in the affected zones.

They also said that valid train tickets would likely be accepted so that passengers could complete their journeys.

Thameslink said on Twitter: "Ticket acceptance is (in) place with @TfL on bus and Underground services, with rail replacement buses ordered to shuttle passengers between Orpington and Bromley South."

Southeastern meanwhile suggested those affected could be entitled to compensation and should keep a hold of their tickets to support any claims.

For more information about the disruption caused by the flooding, go to: https://www.thameslinkrailway.com/travel-information/plan-your-journey/service-updates or https://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/travel-information/live-travel-information/service-disruption?uq=636959539948440000#INC8C01D050F5404F78BAB745B249C353A0

To see the Met Office's weather warnings and travel advice, go to: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings#?date=2019-06-12