Lightning has reportedly struck a garden building at a property in the Belmont area of Hereford.
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service crews were called to the area at around 5.15pm.
It is understood that fire crews quickly extinguished the blaze.
A spokesperson for Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said:
“The storm was impressive but it didn’t roll over Hereford without leaving its mark!
“Whites and Bravo were mobilised to reports of a tree fire in the Belmont area of the city after being struck by lightning. On arrival the fire had spread to a summer outhouse, logs and nearby sheds.
“The lightning had also affected a BT line, causing telephone points and internet routers inside the property to be blown and damaged.
“The fire was extinguished using a hose reel jet. Crews checked the property and neighbouring homes for any fire spread using a thermal image camera. Utilities were also isolated.”
Rail services are suspended between Hereford and Malvern due to ‘severe weather’ according to West Midlands Railway.
“Line block between Great Malvern & Hereford.
“Due to severe weather between these stations, all lines are blocked.
“Rail replacement has been requested to operate between these stations.”
A Met Office warning for Herefordshire remains in force until 10pm.
“Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop on Monday afternoon. Whilst these will be fairly fast-moving, rain may be intense for short periods of time and produce 20-30 mm in less than an hour, with 40-50mm within 1-2 hours in one or two places where thunderstorms grow larger.
“Lightning, hail and gusty winds will be additional hazards. Showers and thunderstorms will ease through the evening.”
