Heavy rains and flooding in Wales, Ireland

Thunderstorms and flash floods Thursday closed schools and blocked roads across much of Wales and Northern Ireland, with more to come, officials said. By Thursday morning, Belfast was hit with more than 2 inches of rain, which blocked roads and left some 1,000 homes without power. The Daily Telegraph reported severe weather warnings remained in place for northwest England and Northern Ireland as more downpours are expected. In England, homes were flooded in Herefordshire while roads were blocked in Shropshire. Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service responded to more than 18 distress calls from marooned drivers. Children were sent home from school early in anticipation of more severe weather.