Dozens of areas across southern England were on flood watch today after up to half of the average monthly rainfall for May came down in just a few hours.
Residents have told of their misery in Devon, Somerset and Essex as hailstones and heavy rain meant drivers were feeling the impacts of the bad weather.
Some Britons refused to let their spirits be dampened, as they were seen enjoying a pint at a pub in West Camel, Somerset, last night while standing in shin-deep floodwater.