A phenomenal thunder and lightning storm in the early hours of this morning has left a devastating impact across the region, sparking fires, power cuts and travel problems.

East Anglian Daily Times: Lightning illuminates the sky in Ipswich. Picture: ZSOLT MENYHARTLightning illuminates the sky in Ipswich. Picture: ZSOLT MENYHART (Image: Archant)

The intense storm swept over Suffolk and north Essex around 4am, with many people saying they have never seen anything like it.

Readers have captured incredible images of the event, with streaks of lightning illuminating the sky.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cymLjytByuI

The severe weather is reported to have caused power cuts across the two counties.

According to UK Power Networks, electricity is currently out in areas of Halesworth, Woolpit, Ipswich, Tattingstone, Colchester and Clacton-on-Sea.

Lightning strikes sparked fires at homes in Felixstowe and Bradwell.

The storm has also reportedly knocked out a number of traffic lights across Ipswich, causing hold-ups to the town’s bus services.

There are problems on the trains, with rail services between Bishops Stortford and Stansted Airport disrupted because a tree has fallen and damaged the overhead electric wires. Disruption is expected until 11am.

Systems were said to be down at Ipswich railway station this morning, which meant travellers were unable to buy tickets from the self-service machines.

East Anglian Daily Times: Scenes from the skies in Melton around 5am. Picture: ROBERT NEEDSScenes from the skies in Melton around 5am. Picture: ROBERT NEEDS (Image: Archant)

Did you get pictures or video of the storm? Send them to newsroom@archant.co.uk

East Anglian Daily Times: Image of lightning taken by a reader during the storm this morning. Picture: JOE BRETTImage of lightning taken by a reader during the storm this morning. Picture: JOE BRETT (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Scenes from the skies in Melton around 5am. Picture: ROBERT NEEDSScenes from the skies in Melton around 5am. Picture: ROBERT NEEDS (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Lightning streaks through the sky in Ipswich, Whitehouse. Picture: MICHELLE LAMBLightning streaks through the sky in Ipswich, Whitehouse. Picture: MICHELLE LAMB (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Lightning illuminates the sky in Ipswich. Picture: ZSOLT MENYHARTLightning illuminates the sky in Ipswich. Picture: ZSOLT MENYHART (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Lightning illuminates the sky in Ipswich. Picture: ZSOLT MENYHARTLightning illuminates the sky in Ipswich. Picture: ZSOLT MENYHART (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Forks of lightning above Shotley Gate. Picture: JASON HEMINGWAYForks of lightning above Shotley Gate. Picture: JASON HEMINGWAY (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Forks of lightning above Shotley Gate. Picture: JASON HEMINGWAYForks of lightning above Shotley Gate. Picture: JASON HEMINGWAY (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Forks of lightning above Shotley Gate. Picture: JASON HEMINGWAYForks of lightning above Shotley Gate. Picture: JASON HEMINGWAY (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Incredible scenes from Woodbridge Road, Ipswich. Picture: BEVERLEY MOWBRAYIncredible scenes from Woodbridge Road, Ipswich. Picture: BEVERLEY MOWBRAY (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Incredible scenes from Woodbridge Road, Ipswich. Picture: BEVERLEY MOWBRAYIncredible scenes from Woodbridge Road, Ipswich. Picture: BEVERLEY MOWBRAY (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Photos of the storm from Morland Road, Ipswich. Picture: DAVID CREAMERPhotos of the storm from Morland Road, Ipswich. Picture: DAVID CREAMER (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Photos of the storm from Morland Road, Ipswich. Picture: DAVID CREAMERPhotos of the storm from Morland Road, Ipswich. Picture: DAVID CREAMER (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Lightning storm over Bury St Edmunds. Picture: ROBERT RONERTSONLightning storm over Bury St Edmunds. Picture: ROBERT RONERTSON (Image: Archant)