Norfolk is being being hit by winds of up to 70mph and lashed by heavy rain today.

Hundreds of people have been without power, four schools have been shut, National Trust sites and Pensthorpe have been closed and trees have come down across roads.

Forecasters say up to four inches of rain may fall in the county.

The Met Office has put in two yellow warnings, saying flooding from rain and damage from wind is possible.

Coastal areas in the north and east of the county are braced for winds as high as 70mph with the rest of the county experiencing winds up to 50-55mph.

At lunchtime, forecaster Dan Holley tweeted: “Houghton Hall in west Norfolk has now recorded 53.4mm of rain so far today, which is essentially the monthly average. Rain may ease a little later this evening, but will broadly continue on-off until Saturday evening, and staying damp and drizzly into Sunday.”

Sprowston Community Academy is one of four Norfolk schools that has been affected by the heavy rain, which has impacted on its coronavirus safety measures.

The academy site, in Cannerby Lane, is closed to years eight to 10 and sixth form students.

Headteacher Liz Wood said: “Significant and on-going rain is causing flooding in one of our main buildings and around the school site.

“This is potentially dangerous and is affecting the one way systems and holding areas needed to maintain our Covid safety plan and ensure the safety and welfare of our pupils. This will always be our primary concern.”

Horning Community Primary School, Marshland St James Primary School, in west Norfolk, and St Mary’s Community Primary School, in Beetley, have also closed.

Konect Bus advised passengers there may be delays to services due to the weather.

Sanders Coaches reported its 202 school bus service for Wells Alderman Peel and Wells Primary School had to divert due to a fallen tree.

The coach company tweeted; “A replacement vehicle has been sent out via a different route to get to the pick up from Cley but may be running up to 30 minutes late, please bear with us we are on our way.

“With large amounts of water on the roads, there are concerns about disruption to travel. Drivers have been urged to leave more time for their journeys.”

Amazona Zoo in Cromer announced it will be closed until Wednesday, September 30, because of damage caused to its Tropical House roof in the current high winds.

There are also a number of fallen trees around the park.

While the zoo is closed it will be keeping people updated via social media.

No animals at the attraction have been hurt.

Holkham Estate has announced due to the weather conditions it is closing the attraction today and cancelling its weekend events due to forecasted high winds.

The National Trust parks at Blickling, Sheringham Park and Felbrigg have all been closed and will remain shut again on Saturday.

It is also likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves.