A freak storm hit Worthing with a “massive” lightning strike and colossal downpour that caused a power surge.

The localised storm happened just before 8pm yesterday evening and firefighters from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service attended after receiving six calls in ten minutes.

Some residents received electric shocks and others were left without internet, telephone or television connections.

Stephanie Jennings, resident, said: “We were hit by a huge downpour of hail stones and a few minutes later a huge bang and a flash of light which sounded like a bomb.

“Our flat was hit and the whole flat shook, our TV went off and is now ruined.

“Four fire engine were called down our road after fire alarms where set off at rehab centre at the top of Seldon Road.

“It was like nothing we have ever seen and we are very shaken by it all.”

Another witness said: “I was upstairs when a flash like a huge bomb explosion flashed through the blinds and then the loudest bang I've ever heard that lasted for about 5 seconds,

“The windows were shaking and I thought they were going to break.

“Our Virgin internet and TV was down for 2 hours, I genuinely thought it was a bomb you could hear the fire engines around as we live near the Broadwater depot!”

There were no reports of significant damage, but callers reported power cuts and fire alarms being set off.

A spokesman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said:"We received a number of calls in a concentrated area of Worthing after what appears to have been a highly localised and unusual storm."

Were you affected by the storm?

Email news@theargus.co.uk or henry.holloway@theargus.co.uk