Flash floods reported in Norfolk and Essex

The dramatic weather has continued in the region with fire services inundated with reports of flash floods following Sunday afternoon's downpours.

Firefighters in Norfolk said they had been "overrun" with calls in the last two hours.

A spokesman said the central Norwich and Crostwick areas were mainly affected and the service was "very, very busy".

Essex has also experienced flash floods and train services from Southend have been disrupted due to a lightning strike.

Flooding in Hall Road in Norwich on Sunday 20 July 2014. Credit: Luke Ireland

There were nearly 1,000 lightning strikes over the county in just 90 minutes during the afternoon's storm.

Fire crews and police are warning drivers to be extra careful and look out for flood waters.

Sunday's downpours followed the spectacular storms over night, with thunder and lightning lasting several hours.

It was caused by warm, humid air coming from France mixing with a front arriving from the Atlantic.

Flooding close to the Queen's Road Sainsbury's in Norwich. Credit: Luke Ireland.
Rainfall radar over Norwich at 3pm on Sunday 20 July. The white area indicates rainfall rates of more than 32 mm/hr Credit: Met Office
Flooding in Hall Road, Norwich on Sunday 20 July 2014. Credit: Luke Ireland

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