It's lovely weather for ducks but a summer storm proved too much for one nature reserve.
Ironically, the WWT Washington Wetland Centre had to turn away visitors after suffering water damage to their grounds during heavy rain on Thursday.
The grounds, where you can see all types of birds, otters and other wildlife , were closed three hours earlier than usual.
A update on the WWT Washington Facebook page read: "We're closing our grounds due to water damage that our team need to assess and manage.
"The centre will remain open for now but visitors are not able to access the external grounds. Apologies for any inconvenience."
A deluge of rain struck the North East at around midday with some thunder and lightning strikes arriving too.
There is a yellow thunderstorm warning in place until 9pm across the North East with the Met Office warning of flooding and difficult driving conditions.
Nicky Maxey, from the Met Office, said: "The rain will continue into the early evening but it should ease off later as the weather front pushes through.
"Later in the evening and even through the afternoon there is a chance of some sunshine breaking through the clouds but it won't be constant."
The centre is due to reopen on Friday at 9.30am.
