Commuters and other travellers were also hit by disruption to South Western Railway services on Tuesday morning.

The operator said that due to heavy rain flooding the railway between Fulwell and Shepperton all lines were blocked.

Passengers were told that train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled or delayed, with disruption expected until 11am.

Services were also disrupted because of a “precarious” tree between Weybridge and Hersham, in Surrey, which led to some lines towards Surbiton being blocked.

TfL says the strikes will affect the whole Tube network, but a reduced service will still run on most lines with significant disruption.

However, there will be no service on the:

• Piccadilly and Circle lines
• Metropolitan line between Baker Street and Aldgate
• Central line between White City and Liverpool Street

Elizabeth line, DLR, London Overground, and tram services will be running normally on strike days, but are likely to be very busy.

The worst-hit lines are:

• Circle & Waterloo & City: Fully suspended.
• District, Hammersmith & City, Northern, Victoria: Severe delays across the entire line.
• Bakerloo: Suspended between Harrow & Wealdstone and Queen's Park; minor delays elsewhere.
• Central: Suspended between Liverpool Street and White City; minor delays elsewhere.
• Metropolitan: Suspended between Baker Street and Aldgate; minor delays elsewhere.
• Piccadilly: Severe delays from Cockfosters to Arnos Grove; all other sections suspended.
• Jubilee: Minor delays on southbound and eastbound trains only.

Transport for London (TfL) is advising passengers to plan their journeys in advance and check for the latest travel updates before setting off.

Travellers have been advised to use the TfL Go app, the online Journey Planner, or live service updates on the TfL website to find alternative routes and check which services are running.

The strikes are in response to issues including a new four-day week which the union says its members oppose. The drivers’ union Aslef has accepted the new arrangements.

Claire Mann, Transport for London’s (TfL) chief operating officer has said: “We still believe that the points they have raised can be worked out in time, through more detailed discussions and we are continuing to talk to the union’s representatives to find a way to avoid disruption to London.”

TfL has advised passengers to check before they travel if the strikes go ahead.

London Underground strikes have begun as members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union walked out from 12.01am on Tuesday and will continue striking until 11.59pm local time.

Tube services began later than usual – at 6.30am – and trains are also expected to finish earlier on strike days.

A second strike is scheduled for Thursday.

Transport for London (TfL) said it hopes to run at least half of its services, but significant disruption is expected.

There will be no service on the Circle and Piccadilly lines, no Metropolitan line trains between Baker Street and Aldgate, and no Central line services between White City and Liverpool Street.

Services are expected to operate on the Bakerloo, District, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, Northern, Victoria, and Waterloo & City lines, although passengers should expect delays and reduced frequencies.

Eurostar services are not impacted by London Underground or UK rail strikes. However, disruptions can still occur due to industrial action by Eurotunnel employees or French rail workers.

Passengers have been advised to check the latest travel updates before their journey.

For Heathrow Airport, passengers can use the Heathrow Express, the Elizabeth Line, National Express buses, and TfL bus services, including overnight routes.

However, these alternatives are expected to be much busier than usual, so travellers are advised to allow extra time.

Access to Gatwick Airport is unaffected by Tube strikes. Train services may still operate but can be slower and more crowded, while National Express coaches provide a reliable alternative.

For London City airport, the DLR will continue running during the strikes and remains the primary transport link to the airport, alongside regular London bus services.