Businesses flooded and a home struck by lightning
Fire crews say they've received a high number of calls about flooding across Devon and Somerset - and one home was struck by lightning
Last updated 18th Sep 2023
Fire crews in Devon and Somerset had so many calls about flooding earlier - they urged people to only ring when there was a genuine risk to life.
An amber warning for thunderstorms is in force and places like Minehead have been hardest hit.
Keith Hunt runs the town centre eco shop Our Precious Earth - and has been told it's been damaged, but can't get there to inspect it yet because of the flooding.
He's doubly worried because he was unable to get flood insurance for the business
Earlier police posted a message online to say: "Please avoid all non essential travel in West Somerset today. We are experiencing extreme weather conditions and there is flooding in many areas."
In Devon, Paignton Zoo also remained closed today because of flooding - with the zoo taking to social media to say: "Due to the heavy rain and subsequent flooding of our site, we apologise that we will not be able to open today. Thank you for understanding."
Buckfastleigh Fire station today posted: "This morning at 1:44am we were called along with Ashburton Fire Station to reports of a house struck by lightning in Totnes.
"On arrival the occupant had vacated the property and was safely with neighbours sustaining only minor injuries from a ceiling falling down."