FIRE crews were called to a house in Wistaston that was hit by a lightning strike during the thundery weather in the early hours of this morning.

Fortunately, the damage at the property was minimal, but with a yellow weather warning for storms in place across the country until tomorrow night people are being warned to take care when out and about.

The lightning damage at the property in Rope Lane was confined to plug sockets and firefighters found no sign of a fire. Two engines from Crewe Fire Station attended at 2.19 am and the crews spent time checking the property with a thermal imaging camera before declaring it safe.

The storm, which brought with it spectacular lightning flashes across the night sky, meant for a restless sleep for many in Crewe. Ian Affleck captured these pictures as the lightning flashed across the Sydney area of the town near his home.

Other areas of Cheshire were more badly affected. Two properties in East Cheshire were hit by lightning bolts, a garage in Prestbury and a house in Melford Drive, Macclesfield which was set ablaze. Five fire crews were on the scene after midnight and a cordon was put in place around the property while the flames were doused.