Flash floods have struck parts of Nottinghamshire after the country’s heatwave broke up amid a series of thunderstorms.

Around 50 homes are thought to have been flooded, with residents in Southwell particularly badly affected.

Nottinghamshire police have warned people that drain covers may have come loose underwater and that roads may be littered with debris.

‘Members of the public who have been working in floodwater are reminded that hand washing is essential,’ the force said.

Local road closures are in place meanwhile, including the A612, which is closed between Southwell and Thurgaton.

Yesterday’s storms saw a month’s worth of rain fall in just a few hours in some locations.

In Pershore, Worcestershire, 56mm (2.2in) of rain fell in a three-hour period, higher than the 50mm average total for the whole of July.

Thunderstorms and flooding also delayed tens of thousands of commuters and homes were set alight on Tuesday.

About 27,000 lightning bolts hit Britain in storms that caused rush-hour misery for rail passengers in Scotland, north England, the west Midlands, East Anglia and the south.