SPECTACULAR lightning was spotted across Bournemouth, Poole and parts of Dorset last night as storms brought downpours and windy weather to the area.
Picture of lightning near Southbourne from Matt Kiddell
A clean-up operation is underway at a West Moors home after it was struck by lightning in the violent storm.
The roof space of the Oakhurst Road chalet bungalow was set alight and water pipes burst, causing extensive damage to the family home.
A total of 13 firefighters tackled the blaze, which started just before 6pm on Tuesday.
The occupiers were forced to leave the property overnight until Dorset Fire and Rescue had checked it was safe to move back in.
Crew Manager Trevor Welton said smoke alarms activated at the property, which was unoccupied at the time of the fire. Neighbours raised the alarm.
Three appliances attended and firefighters used two sets of breathing apparatus, one hose reel jet and a thermal image camera to tackle the blaze.
The fire was fought mainly from inside the property with some firefighters on the roof.
“There is quite a lot of damage inside” said Mr Welton. “Lightning struck the chimney, made its way down to the fireplace and started a fire in the roof space.
“We would like to reinforce the importance of having a working smoke alarm.”
Picture by Will Evans
Picture by Will Evans
Dorset Fire and Rescue Service is urging drivers to be cautious and allow extra time for their journeys due to standing water on the roads and trees that have been blown over.
Roads are experiencing flooding in some areas, including Branksome Chine, and there is standing water around the county.
Penn Hill suffered surface water flooding on Tuesday night with Exeter Road in Bournemouth also flooded due to overflowing drains
Picture of Penn Hill from Hannah Sofia Edwards
Exeter Road by Daily Echo photographer Richard Crease
Avonbourne School also cancelled its performance of a pupil production on Tuesday night after worries about accumulation of water on the roof above its auditorium. The school said it was a precaution and there was no damage.
Emma Fisher sent us this picture of the south end of Branksome Chine this morning- saying the stream has burst its banks.
And Sam Packham sent us this snap of lightning above the Pruhealth building in Bournemouth
Send your pictures of last night's storm to digital@bournemouthecho.co.uk or tweet @Bournemouthecho and we'll include them in our coverage.
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