Lightning lights up skies as thunderstorms hit the Midlands

Credit: Martyn O'Connor

The Midlands was struck by lightning as the “mother of all thunderstorms” rolled across southern England overnight, meteorologists said.

Western Power Distribution said nearly 1,000 properties had been left without power across the Midlands, with the majority of outages down to lightning.

Warwickshire fire and rescue service said five properties were struck by lightning in the early hours of Sunday, two in Leamington Spa, one in Kenilworth and one in Henley in Aren. The damage was minor.

A Met Office warning of heavy thunderstorms is in place until 6am on Monday, covering much of England and all of Wales.

Lightning over Wolverhampton Credit: Nicola Blackham
Lightning lit up the sky in Rugby Credit: Nigel Sewell
Credit: Rachel Lambert
The sky over Lichfield this morning Credit: Kieren Boardman
The scene over Hinckley Road in Leicester Credit: Angela Palmer