LIGHTNING: 70,000 bolts hit the UK over the bank holiday weekend
LIGHTNING: 70,000 bolts hit the UK over the bank holiday weekend
Thousands of holidaymakers have been forced to abandon getaways across the country as an "intense, dangerous supercellular storm" struck last night.

Britain's bank holiday "weather curse" has dampened spirits as Brits quit resorts early due to unsettled conditions threatening thundery downpours, flooding and power cuts.

In some regions, up to a month's worth of rain could fall in one hour today with deluges delivering up to 40mm.

The Met Office said the UK was hit with around 70,000 lightning strikes overnight - sparking safety fears across the nation.


A terrifying lightning map shows where the 70,000 lightning bolts were recorded over UK land over the weekend.

SUPER STORM: This map shows were lightning struck in the UK over the weekend
SUPER STORM: This map shows were lightning struck in the UK over the weekend
Around 20,000 more lightning bolts hit the south-east last night and this morning, while 50,000 struck across the country on Saturday.

Hurricane-force 83mph wind gusts hammered ships in the Dover Straits of the English Channel, the Met Office said.

The weekend's 70,000 lightning strikes contained a massive 17.5million kWh of energy - enough to boil water for 630 million cups of tea.

Met Office forecaster Greg Dewhurst said: "Sunday night's spectacular lightning storm saw parts of the south-east affected, with the most powerful impacts through the English Channel.

POWERFUL: Dangerous lightning storms have caused unease across the UK
POWERFUL: Dangerous lightning storms have caused unease across the UK
"More thundery showers were a risk in the east and west on Monday afternoon, which could lead to localised flooding.

"A changeable week is ahead, with Tuesday showers and 40-50mph gale-force gusts on high ground in northern England and Scotland.

"Wednesday looks sunny with the high teens to low 20s - but a rain band arrives in the west on Thursday and pushes across England on Friday, with a weekend of sunshine and showers following."