Homes under water in flash floods

Hazel Stenning outside her home in Ormesby, Norfolk

Homes have been left under water and schools and businesses forced to close after heavy rain brought flash flooding to parts of Suffolk and Norfolk

More than 90 properties in Great Yarmouth, in Norfolk and Lowestoft, in Suffolk, have been affected, with some areas under 5ft of water.

Great Yarmouth railway station was closed and traffic was at a standstill.

The floods also caused one pump at a pumping station in Great Yarmouth to fail for two hours, Anglian Water said.

A water company spokeswoman said: "The system is designed to cope with a certain amount of rain but it has been so heavy in the early hours that the network has been overwhelmed."

Police said flooding in the centre of Great Yarmouth was "extensive" and advised drivers to avoid the town.

Sand sculptures at Great Yarmouth damaged by torrential rain

Norfolk Fire Service received between 200 and 300 calls in four-and-a-half hours from people having flooding problems.

"An emergency plan has been put into operation, which involves the local authorities and emergency services, and we are thinking about shelters," Norfolk County Council spokesperson said.

Schools closed in Great Yarmouth include Cliff Park First and Middle, Great Yarmouth High, Greenacre First, Middle and Nursery and Northgate St Andrew.

Herman First and Middle in Gorleston are also shut.