This is the dramatic moment a huge bolt of lightning appeared over the Manchester city centre skyline - as the region was battered by a huge tropical storm.
Roads became flooded and trees were reported to have fallen after balmy temperatures were broken by an impressive display of torrential rain, hail, thunder and lightning this evening.
A yellow weather warning for thunderstorms had been issued by the Met Office until 9pm. Residents across the region were braced for flooding and disruption.
