People across the region have been warned to expect heavy rain and thundery showers today following heavy downpours which brought thunder, lighting and even hail to some areas.

The weather warning that had been put in place proved accurate as downpours across Norfolk and Suffolk resulted in flooding which resulted in disruption for passengers on the Norwich to London line, part of which had to be closed for a time yesterday.

Flash flooding between Stowmarket and Diss made the railway line unsafe and although it reopened later in the day, there were delays and disruption for passengers into the evening.

The rain also wreaked havoc on the roads with the A1066 in Diss, between the A140 and B1077 Stuston Road, closed due to flooding.

Motorists in Diss and Thetford had to contend with giant hail stones which fell from the stormy skies yesterday afternoon and the rain resulted in standing water on a number of roads, including on the A47 between Great Yarmouth and Norwich and at Market Lane in Shotesham where part of the road was completely submerged.

Firefighters from Loddon were called to help assist with flooding in Burgess Way, Brooke, at just before 3.50pm.

The heavy rain prompted a warning from Norfolk police who took to Twitter to urge motorists to 'drive to the conditions'.

Lightning was also seen in parts of the county, although fortunately not with the same effect as on Wednesday evening when two people were treated after a home in Brasenose Avenue, Gorleston was hit in a storm.

But although there was no human casualties, emergency services were needed when a tree was struck by lighting at about 3.30pm yesterday.

A crew from Long Stratton was called and put out the fire within about 15 minutes.

The wet and stormy weather died out last night but there is more rain on the way today.

It is forecast to be cloudy and cooler than of late, with rain moving northwards.

Although it is likely to become brighter and warmer for a while, there is the risk of heavy, thundery showers developing.

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