Storms spark UK flash floods

Thunderstorms caused "serious" flash flooding in parts of Norfolk today.

Homes and businesses in parts of Norfolk were badly hit by rising water late in the afternoon, said the county council.

A council spokesman said emergency services received around 30 calls in two hours as heavy rain fell.

"We have had some serious flash flooding," said the council spokesman.

"There are particular problems in Heacham, Hunstanton and Watton as thunderstorms move across the county.

"We have no reports of anyone being hurt. The problem is rising water getting into people's homes and businesses.

"We are working with the police and the fire service to do what we can to help."

Forecasters said thunderstorms were moving eastwards and would affect parts of East Anglia and Lincolnshire before easing during the evening.

They said the storms had been caused by rising heat in the atmosphere.

Meanwhile repairs have been completed in Northern Ireland, where severe lightning storms cut electricity to over 12,000 homes and businesses over the weekend, it was revealed today.

Northern Ireland Electricity said emergency crews worked from early Saturday afternoon until late Sunday night dealing with over 70 individual faults - primarily damaged overhead high voltage lines.

Rural areas in the Ballymena, Coleraine, Craigavon, Dungannon and Larne areas were the worst affected.

In Scotland, 16 bullocks sheltering in a puddle under a tree were killed when lightning struck in East Lothian.