esoterica's blog post - A lovely thunderstorm.... but

There was the most wonderful thunderstorm here last night, lasting about three of hours. It started around six thirty and lasted on and off until almost ten.

I love the power of thunderstorms, and this was one of the biggest I've ever been in.. there was forked lightning on top of the hill opposite my window, thunder as loud as I've ever heard. I've never been afraid of thunderstorms but last night I was a bit different.

I'm certain the house was hit and almost jumped out of my skin with fright. I stood outside for a while and was drenched by fierce rain. My experience was life-affirming... I loved it. As there were storms all over the country I never thought to mention it though, even, in when I was in NN chat last night...

This morning I had a text from a good friend asking if I was ok.... I knew nothing of the fact that whilst I was enjoying the storm up the hill, there were flash floods in the valley below. The road into nearby towns is now closed, and many homes flooded. Houses were evacuated and over fifty families took shelter in the large supermarket on the edge of town. The River Calder broke its banks.... all I suffered was a short electricity outtage and lack of a phone line for short time .....

So when I was thanking Mother Naure for the rain and storm and marvelling at the power she has.... others were in the thick of it. They will have lost furniture, carpets, and such - all of this can be replaced. But children will have lost favourite toys, photographs and letters will have gone....

I have a friend who's mother in law lives in one of the affected parts of town.. I've tried to see if there's a way I can help (when I can get through) but no response as yet. There are no injuries reported, which is excellent news, so I don't worry that way, but my heart goes out for those who've been affected...