The Met office has issued power cut warnings and transport disruptions due to expected torrential rains and gales in London and South East of Britain.

The torrential rains and strong winds are likely to cause flooding, closure of roads, damage of trees and other structures. This comes after temperatures soared to records high during the London Marathon last week.

Forecasts show that temperatures will drop to 4C today and a wind chill will drop it even further to -1C with a likelihood of snow appearing in high altitude areas.

Flooding and power cuts will be experienced Monday with yellow weather warning issued from midnight to Tuesday.

The Met office tweeted: “There will be some difficult weather conditions on the Southeast during the Monday morning commute. Elsewhere chilli but dry and bright. Stay #weatheraware.

Frank Saunders, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “The heavy rain is likely to reach southeast England and parts of East Anglia later today and then spread north and west overnight, reaching much of eastern, central and southern England by Monday morning and then expected to last much of the day.

“Many areas will see between 25 and 40 mm of rainfall with isolated pockets perhaps seeing as much as 50 to 70mm [which is well in excess of the whole month’s average].

"This could increase the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions. The heavy rain will be accompanied by strong to gale force northerly winds – the unusual direction could increase the likelihood of localised impacts from wind too, with some damage to trees for example and likely closure of some bridges. 

"Lastly it will be an unseasonably cold day – perhaps cold enough to produce some wet snow on high ground although this seems unlikely to settle."

Clare Dinnis, flood duty manager for the Environment Agency, said: “Widespread heavy rain from Sunday evening and through Monday could lead to flooding from surface water and rivers in parts of south, south-east and central England.

“Strong winds will also lead to large waves and spray in exposed coastal areas and we encourage people to take care in these locations.

“We expect some travel disruption during Monday morning's rush-hour. We advise people to listen to their local radio stations and remember not to drive through flood water as just 30cm of fast flowing water is enough to move your car.”

By Airport Pickups London