The heatwave in Hampshire gives way to thunderstorms and torrential rain, were lightning has damaged several homes in Southern England and Wales.

Two women escaped unharmed after a pair of 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 properties struck by lightning in Andover’s Mercia Avenue. A spokesman said the roof was severely damaged.

Neighbor Barrie Austen said the roof was “completely ablaze”. “The side that supports the roof, that collapsed as well and then the flames spread into next door,” he told the PA news agency.

Austen said two sisters lived at the property, adding that one attended by paramedics “seemed shaken but OK”.

“I think the lightning hit the roof, woke them up and they just got out.”

The fire service said a 70-year-old woman had been assessed by paramedics but did not require hospital treatment.

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.