THE LOUDEST STORM

Lunchtime today saw the loudest and most ferocious thunderstorm I have experienced in my 13+ months in Thailand. It lasted for around 30 minutes and there were easily three of four storms that seemed to be converging on my office building at the same time.
The lightning strikes were happening every three or four seconds and at its height were no more than a quarter of a mile away. It was truly frightening, especially for someone who is naturally frightened of thunderstorms. I even moved away from my office window and took refuge in our small reception area in the centre of the building.
As with around 75 per cent of all storms that rattle past, the electricity went off - but only for a couple of minutes this time which is pretty good going considering the intensity of this beast.