INTENSE storms have struck North Yorkshire tonight, with torrential rain lashing the region and lightning damaging a building in the centre of York.

The storms are moving steadily northwards and are expected to continue sweeping over North Yorkshire and parts of East Yorkshire over the next couple of hours.

North Yorkshire Police said on its twitter feed that lightning has damaged a building in Coppergate, in York, and the road has been closed while officers ensure it is safe following the strike and an inspection is carried out. There have also been reports of some flooding in the Carr Lane area of the city and firefighters have been called in, although the water is slowly draining away.

Northern Powergrid has said on twitter that it has been notified of a power cut in the YO32 postcode area, covering Haxby, and the firm's engineers are currently heading to the area to investigate. It has not been confirmed how many homes have been affected.

The weather has made it a miserable start for music fans who have headed to Bramham Park for Leeds Festival, and North Yorkshire Police also said on twitter that standing water is already being seen on roads in the region. The force has urged motorists to take care while the storms pass, with some localised flash-flooding expected, and also asked people to watch out for anything suspicious if they hear house alarms sounding and not to assume they have been triggered by the weather.

More downpours could arrive on Friday evening and into Saturday, although the forecast is better for Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.

If you have pictures of tonight's storms, send them to us at newsdesk@thepress.co.uk or tweet them at @yorkpress.