Fire crews tackle flash flooding

Firefighters were called to deal with floods that threatened homes

Heavy rain and flash floods have closed roads and swamped homes at holiday resorts in Norfolk.

Downpours lasting for about 30 minutes were heaviest in the Great Yarmouth and Gorleston areas and left water on roads up to eight inches (20cm) deep.

Crews from Norfolk Fire Service were called to a number of homes affected by flash flooding.

Forecaster Phil Garner of Weatherquest said thunderstorms had hit several places between Norwich and the coast.

Jonathan Wilby, from Norfolk Fire Service, said one of the worst areas was around Burgh Road in Gorleston.

'Hard to predict'

"The incidents were similar to those we were dealing with only a few weeks ago with flash flooding hitting selective areas," he said.

"We are doing what we can to help but that is mainly advising people to put valuables upstairs and to pump out properties that are flooded.

"Flash flooding is hard to predict, the water moves very quickly and it can have a very severe affect on homes."

Police are setting up diversions on roads flooded by the downpour and are directing traffic away from the worst affected areas.

Weather forecaster Phil Garner said the storms will move away into the North Sea later.