Huge hail stones and bolts of lightning came down over west Wiltshire as a thunderstorm hit amid a heatwave.
Residents in Melksham, Trowbridge, Chippenham, and other Wiltshire towns have had cars and conservatories damaged by the weather as it came down overnight between May 27 and May 28.
The storm came after multiple record-breaking days of heat for the UK, which saw temperatures in Wiltshire exceed 30 degrees several successive days.
The extreme weather continued into the evening, with residents across Wiltshire witnessing lightning and “sugar cube-sized” hail rain down in the middle of the night.
Chippenham resident John Penton said his conservatory roof had sustained considerable damage in the hail, which he described as sounding like “rifle shots” as they bounced off his roof.
Mr Penton said: “The hail storm in Chippenham last night was so violent that the hail stones punched holes through my conservatory roof. It needs a complete replacement. I stood and watched it happening and couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was like rifle shots being fired. The hail stones were at least half an inch in diameter.”
Charlotte Hunt, who lives in Melksham, said the hailstones that fell overnight were “massive”.
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In a note sent to this paper, she continued: “The sound that they made were incredibly loud! I know it set a few car alarms off...and the size of them made little clean marks on the side of my husband's car and wheels.
“No damage here from what I can see so far. But I honestly wouldn't be surprised if a few windows and windscreens got broken in the process because of their sheer size and force."
“I had watched the storm from its early formation just before midnight when it was silent.
“But decided to shut my eyes at 1:30am. But was startled Awake by the loud thudding of the hail stones. It wasn't scary for me personally, but I'm sure others didn't have the same reaction as me as it was relentless.
“I was more concerned at what they may do to people’s property outside. I put the hail stone in my freezer and friends have done similar. I just hope nobody was out in that to be honest because it could have caused serious harm at those sizes.”
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