When it rains it pours - Britain soaked in torrential downpours
THOSE hoping to bask in the British sunshine had their dreams washed away as severe weather battered the UK today.
Houses were struck by lightning, traffic was brought to a standstill and roads became rivers as freak showers battered Britain.
The Met Office warned residents in some areas to expect nearly a half of a month's rain fall in just an hour.
Meanwhile The Environment Agency said there was a low risk of flooding for most of the country.
Seven flood alerts were in place this afternoon meaning residents should be prepared for flooding. Four warnings were in place for the South East, while they were also in place for the Midlands, North East and South West of England.
Firefighters were called to a house in Canvey Island, Essex, this morning after a lightning strike set a television alight.
They spent an hour extinguishing the blaze and clearing the house of smoke, which was 100 per cent smoke logged.
Another house was badly damaged in a fire after a bolt of lightning struck it in South Molton, Devon, at about 4.30am today.
Hundreds of lightning strikes were seen across the East, South East, South, South West, Wales and North West.
The Queen's guards got a soaking as they walked along The Mall in the final rehearsal of Trooping the Colour, the Queen's annual birthday parade.
Meanwhile ladies were drenched in their finery during Epsom's Derby Day, with roads around the race course subject to flash flooding.
Drivers were forced to take care on motorways when flash flooding caused skidding on roads including the M25.
Ravers were determined to keep partying at Parklife Weekender in Manchester today despite torrential downpours delaying the start of the festival. A 25 minute delay was needed to clear the water-logged site.
However, it wasn't a total washout, with families enjoying the sunshine in the North East.
Youngsters played in the sand on Tynemouth beach in North Tyneside this morning while visitors even took a dip in the waters to take advantage of the balmy weather.
But the bad weather is due to move further north later today.