The Met Office has issued a weather warning for Cambridgeshire, with heavy and thundery downpours expected to continue into this evening (Friday).

Ely Standard: Silver Street, in Ely, at about 5pm on Friday. Picture: Stephen GermeneySilver Street, in Ely, at about 5pm on Friday. Picture: Stephen Germeney (Image: Archant)

Forecasters expect downpours totalling 20-30mm – about an inch – to fall in a short space of time, with localised torrents of up to 50mm possible.

A spokesman said: “A moist, unstable airmass will affect the area leading to heavy, slow-moving showers and a risk of hail and thunderstorms.

“Rainfall totals of 20-30mm are likely in a short space of time, perhaps exceeding 50mm very locally, whilst other locations may see very little.”

The heavy rain is expected to continue until about midnight tonight before it clears.

Ely Standard: Yorke Way, in Ely, flooded in the Friday night's downpours.Yorke Way, in Ely, flooded in the Friday night's downpours. (Image: Archant)

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service warned residents not to call 999 in connection with flooding unless there was a threat to life.

A spokesman said: “If you think your house is affected by flooding then turn off electric and stay upstairs if you can.”

St John’s Road in Ely was badly hit by the rain, with water spilling into front gardens, while Lynn Road also saw surface water flooding.

In March, in Fenland, roads have been closed because of flash flooding, while the town’s branch of Tesco was also forced to close because isles were flooded.

Ely Standard: Drains in Fore Hill struggled to cope as the rain poured over Ely.Drains in Fore Hill struggled to cope as the rain poured over Ely. (Image: Archant)

A bank beside the River Nene collapsed, causing further disruption.

There were also reports of surface water flooding in Godmanchester, near Huntingdon.

HAVE YOU BEEN AFFECTED BY THE RAIN? Send us your pictures and keep us updated at editor@ely-standard.co.uk or via Twitter @elystandard