Flash floods have hit parts of Norfolk amid a three-day weather warning for heavy rain.
Homes, businesses and roads across the county have been flooded with heavy downpours reported around 2pm.
The disruption follows a yellow weather alert from the Met Office, warning of heavy rain and strong winds.
Parts of south Norfolk have been the worst hit with Sue Norman, who owns Diss Wool Shop in St Nicholas Street, saying there was an "absolute downpour".
“It went a bit dark and then there were a few spots of rain," she said. “Then within five minutes there was an absolute downpour and water started rushing down St Nicholas Street as there is a slight slope.
“The drain cover outside my shop came off with the force of the water and I saw some traffic cones floating outside from the nearby roadworks.
“Thankfully I have only had a little bit of water come in the back of the shop.”
An officer assisted with flooding on The Glebe in Harling at around 3.30pm and advice was given, another fire crew from Fakenham assisted with flooding in Nelson Court, Watton at around 4pm.
The Corn Hall in Diss issued a statement after the theatre was hit by the flash flood, affecting the main foyer with water damage being assessed in the Lower Gallery.
The statement read: "We’d like to apologise for any inconvenience caused to our visitors this afternoon and to say a huge thank you to our volunteers who worked quickly, tirelessly and effectively to clear the waters.”
Volunteer, Julie Bunting Dixon at the No8Marketplace in Diss said: “It was bit of a panic.
“Everyone stopped work and started mopping up the floors and brushing water out of the shop" she added, "it all came pouring through the back door.”
A house in Linden Grove in Roydon has been struck by lightning and fire crews from Diss, Harleston, Thetford, Attleborough, Needham Market and Bungay along with the aerial ladder platform from North Earlham and the water carrier from Hethersett are at the scene.
Gail Webster, owner of Gail’s Groom Room on Millway Avenue in Diss said: "I've never been so scared, I thought it had struck my salon.
"I made sure all the dogs were safe and then I went outside and saw loads of smoke – the people were in the house when it happened, they’ve now gone next door.”
READ MORE: House bursts into flames after being struck by lightning
Slow traffic has been reported on the A1066 between Roydon and Diss near The White Horse Pub due to the floods.
A spokesperson for Norfolk County Council said: “We are aware that, as a result of rainfall today, some areas in Norfolk are at risk of flash flooding.
"If you encounter a flooded road, stay safe and do not enter the floodwater; find an alternative route instead.
If someone becomes trapped in floodwater and there is a risk to life, call 999 immediately.”
The weather warning covers the whole of Norfolk and people are being urged to prepare for possible flash flooding, travel disruption and power cuts.
The warning for thunderstorms is in place until the end of the day with a second warning for heavy rain being issued between 12.15am on Wednesday and 6am on Thursday.
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