This is an update to the shortlived but wicked storm that began at approximately 22:16 hrs. But first, allow me to digress by relating what I saw as I was caught right from the onset.
I was milling around with my dogs after our walk near the bridge at the main entrance of Nong Prajak Park when the winds started bellowing like a banshee.
Picking up the cues from my dogs (they always knew when something's wrong), I quickly gathered my pack and had them safely in my vehicle just in time before the heaven's opened.
Well, opened it did and with a vengeance. I stayed in my vehicle lighting up my usual ciggie to go, thinking it would just be a heavy downpour but within seconds it transformed into a thunderstorm.
Visibility was almost zero in an instant, and under the streetlamps I saw the winds picked up tremendous speed howling.
The wheeled metal barrier at the front of the bridge of NPP was first moved by the winds and eventually toppled to lay on it's side. By this time, branches (big and small) from the trees were ripped off and scattered onto the road. Even the wooden chairs at the closed shops directly opposite NPP were overturned and everything's topsy turvy.
Bolts of lightning lighted the skies like fireworks. Saw 4 motorcycles being toppled by the sheer force of the winds. Another had the Udonthani Map signage box (bolted to the ground) fell right onto it.
As quickly as the storm had gathered velocity, it dissipated to a mere drizzle just as quick. Checked my time and it was all of 25 minutes.
Start my engine and began my drive. Headed home via Wattananuwong Road, encountered huge branches from trees strewn along the way. Thus I had to drive real slow. Saw the frontage of the temple (don't know its name but the one near to Udon Walking St) in shambles.
Traffic lights are out of order and by the time I had reached the junction of Udon Dutsadi Road, it was flooded.
I turned right at the junction headed towards the clock tower and it was partially flooded, starting about 50 meters before Landmark Bldg to the roundabout at the clock tower.
Had not been observing earlier but realised by then that all the streetlights were out and buildings were dark.
Turned left towards Prajak Road and another left into Chert Sombart Road (flooded as well).
Made it home only to discover that all powers are down. Dropped off my pack and got into the vehicle again headed to 7-11 at PTT to get some candles. Their powers were down as well...sigh.
However, I managed to convinced the owner of the 7-11 who happens to be there to let me in.
Got myself 5 packs of candles and headed back home. Lit the candles, took a shower, lit my ciggie and started typing this post:)
While doing so, the power came back on at 00:33 hrs.
All's well
Hope to read other's experience and update on the 'Short but Wicked Storm in Udon. It was my first...lol.
May all be safe!
Cheerios
