Shocking photos show the skies in south Essex last night as thunderstorms hit the county.

Some of the Echo camera club members captured incredible pictures of the storm in the area last night and in the early hours this morning.

Echo: Stephen Sims took this photo of the "storm at sea" from WestcliffStephen Sims took this photo of the "storm at sea" from Westcliff

The Met Office had issued a yellow weather warning for the whole of Essex last night as thunderstorms were expected to affect the county.

The weather warning was in place between 7pm last night and 3am this morning.

Echo: Wayne Alderton snapped a lightning strike for the first timeWayne Alderton snapped a lightning strike for the first time

Residents were told to expect thunderstorms, rain and frequent lightning.

Echo: Francisco Javier Fernandez snapped this photo of stormy Thorpe Bay BeachFrancisco Javier Fernandez snapped this photo of stormy Thorpe Bay Beach

A Met Office statement on the weather warning had said developing showers and thunderstorms were likely to intensify through the evening before “easing away eastwards” after midnight.

Echo: This photo taken by Hamada Elwan shows the storm in SouthendThis photo taken by Hamada Elwan shows the storm in Southend