The roof of a block of flats in Greenock has been set ablaze after being struck by lightning as thunder storms swept the west of Scotland.
Fourteen residents were moved to safety along with people in neighbouring buildings after the explosion as thunderstorms swept Scotland.
The flames could be seen rising from the roof of the modern tower block close to the Inverclyde town's Esplanade following the strike at about 6pm tonight.
More than 25 firefighters tackle the blaze at the five-story modern building. Witnesses described an 'almightly bang' before the building was engulfed in flames.
It is not thought anyone was injured, but residents David Campell and his partner Ann McNeilage, who live across the road, were in shock.
Mr Campbell, 47, said: "Out of nowwhere there was an almighty bang and a flash of light. A few minutes later we saw a small amount of smoke from the roof. Within minutes the smoke was getting really thick and was coming across to our building.
"Then suddenly flames burst out through the roof." A nearby Kirk was opened up for the displaced residents to shelter from the rain.
It came as flood alerts are in place across Scotland as thundery showers sweep the country.
Rainfall estimates suggest that around 20mm has fallen today in the Glasgow and Ayrshire areas as well as southern parts of Argyll and Bute.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has "be prepared" notices in place across much of the country.
Forecaster Billy Payne, from Meteogroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said: "The rain band is moving north and breaking up with heavy thundery showers across southern and central Scotland.
"There have been a few lightning strikes in the Glasgow area and it's possible that 20mm of rain has fallen locally since daylight began."
In East Lothian, dozens of Scottish Power customers were without electricity after lightning struck power lines locally.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said they had received several calls to report flooding in the Strathclyde area since 5pm.
Road maintenance firm BEAR Scotland has postponed resurfacing works on the southbound M9 due to take place at the weekend because of the wet forecast.
The work on the stretch between junction 9 (Bannockburn) and junction 8 (Hill of Kinnaird) will be carried out at a later date.
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