SKIES over Dorset were lit up with hundreds of lightning strikes a second during an “intense” storm on Friday night.
Many experienced storm watchers told the Echo they'd never seen anything like the tempest, which began “out of nowhere” shortly after 11pm, leaving in its wake damage to trees, businesses and homes.
Residents in Ashley Cross, Ferndown and Winton reported flash floods, with roads transformed into streams within seconds.
Cars in Winton High Street had to be pushed out of the flood water.In the New Forest there were reports of fires as lightning hit.
Dorset Fire and Rescue Service handled more than 120 calls in two hours.
The roof of a student house in Winton went up in flames after a direct lightning strike, and a 400-year-old oak tree n Anchor Road, Bear Cross was also struck by lightning.
In Broadstone, Vince Gittins took photographs of flash floods in the road outside the Goods Yard pub. He said: “The storm created a river flowing down the street. Pub-goers were stranded for over an hour.”
Ringwood Road in Poole was also submerged, with cars breaking down along the stretch. The force of the water also forced open a manhole.
Flooding was also reported in areas including Palmerston Road in Parkstone, where water levels reportedly reached around 2ft feet high in some properties.
Standing water closed the B3073 Ham Lane near Canford Bottom roundabout and Stapehill Road junction.
Parts of Bournemouth Gardens were submerged and some areas remain closed to the public this morning. The awning of the Prama shop in Kinson was blown to the ground, blocking access to the shop. the next morning.
We've been sent hundreds of photographs of the storm. Here are some of our favourites...
These two are by Arthur Yeung.
Night becomes day in this image by Alison Hogan.
By Ceri Lewis
Sent in by Dan Kyprianou
By Daryl Davies Photography
By Aaron Nairn via Twitter
From Barton on Sea, this shot is by Dan Mapes
By Scott Terrell
These two are by Darren Crain Photography
Paul Colebrook sent this shot of Mudeford Quay
By Rob "Reguez" Lewis.
This one is by Jim Maclannan.
By Mark Pellymounter
And finally, for those who slept through it, this was the state of Winton High Street just after the storm.
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