I thought this might interest a few in the NG?

Below is an email that I've sent to a friend who lives in Thatcham, a mere 3
miles from my location in Newbury, Berkshire all of which appear to have
missed most of today's downpours.

Any measurements taken in the area below would be particularly worth hearing
about!

Hi Steve,

I thought it may interest you as today I'm been out over the downs
(Ashmansworth/Combe area) and witnessed some particularly potent storms all
from good viewpoints.

The first proper storm was at approx. 1230BST must have contained 30+
rumbles of thunder all mainly distant but clearly audible with a little rain
that came in very large spots. With this came some strange lowerings almost
like Funnel Clouds? Another more potent storm was later witnessed c1600BST
at Chute Causeway to the east of Andover and this was particularly fierce.
Winds gusting 30mph+ and also small then medium pea sized hail with
occasional nasty CC & CG lightning all around us all descended from this
beast. After this the roads were almost impassable in the Upton area and
when under a further storm by the manor at Combe, a CG lightning strike must
have hit the ground directly in front of us. Thankfully during the majority
of this activity I was parked up safely away from danger.

Now back at home in the dry, to my horror my rain gauge has achieved only
1.5mm and also furthermore, your location has achieved Nil rainfall.

Weird or what?

Regards

Tony