A SHORT but intense storm with booming claps of thunder and dazzling lightning strikes hit the skies last night. 

It happened at around midnight and was heard across Greater Manchester.

Alan Astbury‏, from Bolton, posted an impressive video on Twitter.

Video by Alan Astbury‏, in Kearsley

He wrote: “The light was blinding and the sound was deafening.

“Can tell it shook me up a bit, it was unbelievable.”

His video shows a bright bolt of lightning, followed by a load clap of thunder and car alarms going off in the street.

People left dozens of comments on social media about the short but sharp storm. 

Jean Phillips said: "When I was a kid in the 60s I remember a storm that went on and on all night. Overhead much of the time and we couldn't sleep for the noise. Rail tracks were flooded and windows broken. Last night was nowt compared with that!"

Catherine Macfarlane said: "I thought something was crashing down on the house. It was that loud it woke me up."

Nikita Emma said: "Sounded like a load of horses were going over the sky. Rain battering and lighting right in front. Each lasted about 40 seconds. Was quite good actually!!!"

Paul Gannon said: "I missed that I was asleep. Gutted as I LOVE thunder and lightning."

Did you hear and see the storm? Send your pictures and videos to webdesk@nqnw.co.uk