THURROCK was bombarded by all sorts of extreme weather this weekend as it was reported a record amount of rain fell today.

Thurrock Weather tweeted this afternoon how almost THREE inches an hour were lashing the borough.

The torrential rain led to roads and pavements being heavily flooded and train services disrupted.

Greater Anglia suspended its trains to and from Southend after a lightning bolt struck a signal in Billericay at about 4pm.

And a house in Aveley was reportedly hit by lightning too. 

The Environment Agency put out a flood warning for parts of Essex and Thurrock earlier.

A spokesman said: "River levels are likely to continue to rise. Over the next 12 hours the forecast is for thunderstorms.

"The Environment Agency is monitoring the situation closely, working alongside partners including the Met Office and local authorities."

Meanwhile Essex Fire Service admits its resources are stretched as crews strike while the storm clean-up takes place.

The Fire Brigade's Union (FBU) has called a strike between 5pm and 7pm.

A spokesman for the service said: "Canvey is one area particularly affected but calls have also included Southend, Harlow, Aveley, Ongar, and Corringham and resources are stretched.

"Incidents range from people stranded in vehicles that are stuck in flood water, cables arcing, hedgerow fires, to a house fire following a lightning strike. we respond to flood incidents where there is risk to life.

"FBU members began their strike at 5pm and until 7pm calls are being covered by working crews."

In the lead-up to the flash flooding there was a series of electrical storms today and on Friday - and inbetween there was the intense heat of Saturday.

Reports emerged yesterday afternoon of how the soaring temperatures caused part of a celing at Lakeside shopping centre to collapse (pictured).