Residents of a town were left gobsmacked at the weekend after a massive cloud bank struck, producing lightning scenes similar to those witnessed in Lord of the Rings.
The phenomenon left people comparing the scenes to something out of a film franchise or an alien invasion.
The cloud of lightning in the video above was filmed at around 8.15pm last night, September 10, 2023. In a massive wall of cloud, regular flashes of lightning and lighting bolts were visible.
It resembled Mordor and the lightning associated with Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings films. Gloucestershire Live reports the above video, filmed in Gloucestershire, was shared on X, formerly Twitter.
First Aid and Trauma @Bensfirstaid tweeted: "Pretty sure an alien invasion is taking place near to Longford, Gloucester." People were also quick to share images and tell their friends about the phenomenon before it disappeared.
It was also seen in Bristol, leaving people amazed. David Hinder wrote on Facebook, "Loved watching it out the window", while Jessica Carter added: "Was amazing".
Others said it may have been linked to a storm in Mid Wales while sightings also came in from Droitwich in the West Midlands. Lee Sascha joked that if it was an alien invasion, they would probably turn around. Dan Whitfield said: "So weird but incredible."
While John Gore said: "Looks like God is upset over Gloucester tonight." Steve Lee joked: "I heard a rumour that Will Smith & Sigourney Weaver are on their way #AlienInvasion."
Leanne Johns posted: "It's fascinating! But definitely giving me war of the world vibes!" Vickie John said: "We’ve got it over the border in Herefordshire as well..it’s a strange sight!!" And Donna Louise Lee said: "Pretty amazing in Tewkesbury."
Richard Tuffley said it was 'incredibly beautiful' in the Forest of Dean while Debbie Vines saw it and heard it in Leonard Stanley. The cloud was captured after another hot day.
No thunderstorm warning was in place for Gloucestershire, although there was one in place from Birmingham up to Scotland until 11.59pm last night.
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