A freak squall hit the Glenkens early on Monday leaving hundreds of homes temporarily without power and roads blocked by fallen trees.
Winds believed to be as strong as 80mph raked through the glen around 4.30am accompanied by a violent hailstorm and thunderstorms.
According to Balmaclellan meteorologist Roland Chaplain, “some very unstable air” aloft caused a high-energy squall line to develop.
He said: “It’s probable that the intense gusts were being brought down from higher in the atmosphere where there are very powerful upper level winds.
“The sheer ferocity of the hail and the lightning and wind was incredible.
“The hail only lasted a minute or two because it was very fast moving.
“It sounded like gravel being thrown against the window.
“Such was the wind speed several trees were brought down a mile south of New Galloway on the A762 road to Mossdale.”
Trees were not the only casualty of the storm – time stood still in New Galloway when it struck.
Mr Chaplain said: “The Glenkens was hit at 4.30am – that’s when the town clock went off in New Galloway.
“Some people lost power for hours while for others the power was going off and on.”
New Galloway resident Lois Aitkenhead said: “The power went out at 6.30am and was off until 2pm.
“SP Energy Networks did well in terms of keeping us informed.
“It was just so sudden – the thunder and lightning was phenomenal.”
A number of other parts of the Stewartry were also affected by the wind, including areas around Kirkcudbright and Gatehouse.
The blackouts also saw Springholm and Hardgate Primaries closed on Monday morning. However, the problem was quickly fixed and classes resumed before lunchtime.
The wind also brought down trees with the road at Earlstoun Power Station near Dalry blocked.
So too were Mute Hill near Kirkcudbright and the A711 near the military training area.
And fallen trees led to the closure of Kelton Hill Wood.
