Violent storms batter Exeter

Residents were evacuated from their homes in Exeter after violent storms wreaked havoc in the city.

Monsoon-like conditions turned roads into rivers as electric blue lightning lit up the skies.

Those unlucky enough to be caught out without an umbrella last night were drenched within seconds.

Meanwhile elderly and disabled residents in properties on Burnthouse Lane in Exeter had to be evacuated due to flooding.

Some roads were closed and several only passable with care as drains struggled to cope with the deluge.

Alphington Road, Longbrook Street, Honiton Road, Rifford Road and Marsh Barton were among those affected.

Meanwhile a powerful hurricane is likely to further affect Britian's weather next week potentially bringing more misery.

Experts are plotting the route of Hurricane Gonzalo which was expected to hit Bermuda today.