The most incredible thunder storm rolled up St Brides bay from the south of Ramsey on Thursday night, watched by hundreds of intrepid spectators on the Pembrokeshire beaches. Also watching the impending drama were island wardens and volunteers from the relative safety of the farmhouse garden.
The following storm was the most powerful we have ever seen with three forks of lightening discharging into the sea at any one time and sheets of lightening permanently illuminating the sky. New sheepdog Dewi had never experienced a thunderstorm before and had great fun barking at the lightning and then trying to chase the thunder!
Unknown to us in the farmhouse, two of our volunteers up at the bungalow were having a slightly more scary experience. A bolt of lightening had struck the top of Carn Ysgubor in a massive explosion of noise and light. They thought their days were numbered as it sounded as though the bungalow had itself been struck, (which wouldn’t be the first time!) The hill was ablaze, the dry heather succumbing to the intensity of a direct strike. People in St Davids could see the beacon of flames from across the water.
Thankfully, the torrential rain which followed doused the flames, but 24 hours later the burnt area, which is as large as the farmhouse garden was still smouldering. Copious water was applied and the danger is now passed.
Apparently, the island’s southern hill, Foel Fawr, was struck by lightening some years ago and it took a whole week to put the fire and embers out.