An incredible phenomenon was witnessed ahead of a storm which lashed Dorset bringing thunder and lightning and flash flooding.
A shelf cloud formation was seen before the heavens opened earlier this evening and the sky was lit up by multiple flashes of lightning.
There have been reports of flash flooding in places as drains were overwhelmed by torrential rain which battered the area in a short period.
It came as the Met Office issued a warning for thunderstorms.
The Met Office describes the shelf cloud, or arcus cloud, as 'spectacular low-level, long and thin clouds associated with powerful thunderstorms'.
Picture: Andy Lambert
Paul Holmes who saw it from Ferrybridge, Weymouth, (pictured above) said: "I've seen them in America but never in the UK. It formed right on the leading edge of the thunderstorm as it pushed through, an incredible sight."
Fiona Lawrence who was out on Weymouth seafront said: "I walked up and it was calm and eerie, then I saw the cloud drop down and then the wind really started to pick up massively.
"It ended up being torrential for a good 15 minutes with lots of lightning and very loud thunder."
Picture: Joshua Hargreaves
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here