Homes hit by flash flooding

An advice centre for those affected by floods in Nottingham will be opened at Southwell Town Hall, The Burgage, Southwell, later today.

The A612 remains closed between Southwell and Thurgaton to enable urgent clean-up operations to take place.

A month's rain fell in just a few hours in some areas yesterday.

Pershore in Worcestershire recorded 56mm (2.2 inches) of rain in a three-hour period this morning, more than the area's 50mm average total for the whole of July, the Met Office said.

Read: More rain expected after floods

More than 50 homes were hit by by flash flooding following heavy rain that broke the heatwave in a series of heavy thunderstorms.

Nottinghamshire Police said houses in Southwell were particularly badly hit by the extreme weather, while numerous properties, businesses and roads across the county were affected.

A force spokesman said pockets of standing water remain in various locations and drivers are being urged to take caution on the roads.

Police said that in some areas drain covers have been damaged and there is debris in the roads.

Read: More rain expected after floods

Further thundery downpours are forecast across eastern parts of England and the northeastern half of Scotland, although these should clear from the west during the early morning in England, but hang on into the early afternoon across the far northeast of Scotland.

There is also a risk of further heavy showers developing over parts of Scotland and northeast England during the afternoon.

Read more: Flood warnings for the Midlands and southwest

Four flood warnings and fifteen flood alerts have been issued across England.

Flood warnings have been issued for two areas in the Midlands and two areas of the southwest.

Read more: Lightning and flooding hits UK

A flood warning is issued when floods are expected and you should take action is you are concerned that you may be affected.

See the latest flood warnings on the Environment Agency website.

Lightning struck the roof of a house above the room where a six-week-old baby was sleeping in a cot.

A couple and their two children escaped unhurt, but their house in Blyth was badly damaged. Daniel Smith and a neighbour fought the fire themselves before the fire brigade arrived.

The Environment Agency has issued a flood warning and alert in the South West and extended its flood alerts in Anglia, the Midlands and the North West.

There are currently four flood alerts issued for the Midlands and one in each of the other regions.

Flood warnings are issued when flooding is expected and immediate action is required. Flood alerts indicate flooding is possible and locals should be prepared.

ITV weather presenter Sian Lloyd has the latest forecast: