LAST week’s storm wreaked havoc in the Alton area with frequent lightning strikes and flooding as overloaded drainage systems had difficulty dealing with excessive rain and water run-off.

Hullam Lane in Newton Valence was flooded on Thursday morning, making it difficult for villagers to get through to neighbouring Selborne, and a stretch of the A325 outside the garage facing Country Market at Kingsley was axle deep in water, causing problems for drivers.

Michael Bacon took a picture of the flooding at Kingsley as he passed through at around 6.15am on his way to Bentley railway station.

He said: “The road was completely flooded but passable with care. Unfortunately, two drivers were caught out by the conditions and their cars drowned out in the middle of the floods.

“The garage forecourt was partially flooded too, with more water being swept in by passing lorries.”

Further flooding was reported at the junction of Picketts Hill, the B3004 with the A325, and elsewhere across the region.