London was struck by a powerful thunderstorm early on Thursday morning, described by many as "biblical" in its intensity. The Met Office issued dual yellow weather alerts, cautioning

residents about potential flooding and travel disruptions.

The storm, marked by brilliant flashes of lightning and booming thunder, startled countless Londoners from their sleep. The weather warning remained in effect until 10 am, with another alert covering a significant portion of western England and south Wales.

In Elmer, West Sussex, a lightning strike caused damage to the roof of a care home, while a university building in Chichester also suffered electrical and structural harm. Fortunately, occupants were safely relocated, although the incidents underscored the ferocity of the storm.

Despite the tumultuous weather, Thursday could potentially become the warmest day of the year for many regions across the country. However, London's expected high of 19°C contrasts with this trend.

Social media buzzed with accounts of the storm's intensity, with one individual comparing it to their experiences in storm-prone Tampa Bay, Florida. Another likened the scene to something out of a movie set, emphasizing the dramatic nature of the thunder and lightning.

The Met Office cautioned that the storm might disrupt travel and cause localized flooding, resulting in challenging driving conditions and possible road closures. Additionally, there was a risk of delays or cancellations to both train and bus services, as well as the potential for isolated power outages.

Meteorologist Marco Petagna offered some respite, noting that after the stormy night, rainfall would temporarily ease in southern England. He suggested the possibility of clearing skies and hinted at another warm day, with parts of the South East potentially reaching highs of 24°C, surpassing the temperatures of the preceding day. Photo by Anjana Menon anjimenon, Wikimedia commons.