Lightning destroys roofs as storms end heatwave in southern England and Wales

Lightning has damaged homes in Hampshire and severe weather warnings are in place as the heatwave gives way to thunderstorms and torrential rain.

A 70-year-old woman escaped unharmed after two houses in Andover were partially destroyed in the early hours.

The Met Office issued a yellow alert for storms, and warned of flooding, hail and 55mph gusts of wind in southern England and Wales.

It comes after days of extreme heat - and as many set off on summer holidays.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service tweeted a picture of two semi-detached houses struck by lightning in Andover's Mercia Avenue. The woman was assessed by paramedics but did not require hospital treatment.

A spokesman said the roof was "severely damaged".

BBC Weather said that "after a very stormy start in the south" the thunderstorms had eased, but were expected to develop again later - reaching up to the Midlands.

Up to 50mm of rain is expected to fall within an hour in some southern counties of England later, with flooding possible.

Meanwhile the heatwave looks set to continue in Northern Ireland and western Scotland, with temperatures of 28C possible.

And despite the wet start in the south of England, it should remain dry and sunny in the north west of the country.

It comes as many people are expected to set off for their summer break this weekend, as the school holidays begin across large swathes of the UK.

Cooler weather is predicted across the UK from Sunday, with further heavy showers and thunderstorms expected across southern and eastern England.

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