THERE didn’t appear to be much reporting on the magnitude of the recent storm that enveloped much of central southern England on Friday, July 3.

I write as an octogenarian and would compare this recent storm to one witnessed by me many years ago, that was also sparsely publicised.

It was Sunday, September 3 1939, at 11am and war had just been declared on Germany.

A thunderstorm had formed over the Channel Islands and had meandered its way north, funnelling its way into Poole Bay between the Isle of Wight and Swanage.

When the storm reached land, the heavens unleashed its vengeance with rain of an unprecedented ferocity, and the thunder could not be heard above the deluge.

Within a short time, the roads and gardens were flowing rivers. Most of the manhole covers had been ripped off, issuing a fountain of water several feet in the air.

I cannot recall how long the rain continued but was told that the Branksome area was estimated to have had four inches in two hours. The storm was gone as quickly as it had arrived, but during that time much destruction had been caused.

Referring to the recent storm of this July, I can say this one was the worst I have ever seen as regards to lightning. But the storm of 75 years ago was the storm of the century as regards to water quantity, and perhaps I will never observe another of such magnitude in this area.

I have noticed over the years that the weather in Branksome and the Bourne Valley can differ from other near locations, an occurrence I have perceived as far back to my early school days.

ROLAND CLARK

Library Road, Poole