Hampton Court hosts the flower show every year

The horticultural event was closed at 1500 BST on Wednesday after strong winds made the attraction unsafe.

Trains in the area are delayed due to trees on the line and there is also heavy traffic on the roads.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) said unused tickets can be used at euivalent times on other days. The show runs to 11 July.

A spokesman for the RHS said: "Due to increasing wind speed and a high risk of heavy rain it has been necessary to close Hampton Court."

Kew Gardens in south-west London had to close because of fears of falling branches.

Train users across south London and southern England are also being warned about delays to their journeys due to trees on the line in several locations.

The bad weather in the South is due to a deep depression sweeping up from the Spanish coast.

Heavy rain and winds of up to 50mph are expected to hit many areas with the Met Office warning there is the chance of localised flooding.