Social media users capture a hell of lightning storm over their city

Elise Cooper
Updated
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When an intense storm's forecast, most sensible people take shelter in their homes.

Thankfully for us, a handful of mad cap photographers and storm enthusiasts were on hand to capture striking images of a thunderstorm that lashed Sydney, Australia, on Thursday night.

SEE ALSO: Rare 'thunderstorm asthma' event take five lives in Australian city

For all of the storm's intensity it lasted little more than an hour before heading both north east, but not before some of the more electrifying moments were captured in freeze frame.

A photo posted by Roger Mackertich (@rog.mack) on Dec 8, 2016 at 3:28am PST

#sydneystorm in full force at #manlybeach last night, just after the Christmas fireworks!! #bythepowerofgreyskull 📷 @craigbrokensha @swellnet

A photo posted by Manly Beach, Sydney Australia (@manlyaustralia) on Dec 8, 2016 at 12:14pm PST

Bondi Icebergs last night #sydneystorm #storm #bolts #bondi #bondibeach #bondiicebergs #icebergs #lightning #stormchaser #mynikonlife #patagonia #australia #seeaustralia

A photo posted by Franck Gazzola | Photographer (@franckgazzola) on Dec 8, 2016 at 4:58pm PST

Light show over the Harbour

A photo posted by Saltwater Therapy Photography (@_saltwatertherapy_) on Dec 8, 2016 at 11:40am PST

Well... that was something!

A photo posted by Chris Benno (@chrisbenno) on Dec 8, 2016 at 4:19am PST

#Sydneyoperahouse #growthbuilt #xmasparty #operahouse #sydneystorm #sydneyskies #thunder #lightning #storm #stormchaser #ilovesydney #australia #sydneycbd #cityofsydney #lightningstrike #bureauofmeteorology #storm #sydney #dailytelegraph #smh #7news #xmas #nature_skyshotz #australiagram #mynikonlife #nikonD750 #sky #dailybailey #circularquay #sydneyharbour @nikonaustralia

A photo posted by BOKEH & CO PHOTOGRAPHY (@bokehandco) on Dec 8, 2016 at 4:29am PST

Bondi under attack, a few minutes back! #frothers #frothersgallery #franckgazzola #storm #stormcell #strikes #lightning #sydney #sydneystorm #sky #crazy #amazing #weather #extreme #bolts #lightningbolts #mynikonlife

A photo posted by Frothers Gallery (@frothersgallery) on Dec 8, 2016 at 4:11am PST

A photo posted by Jacqueline (@jacqueline.view) on Dec 8, 2016 at 12:15pm PST

The awesome #sydneystorm tonight. Beautiful lightening! #seeaustralia #sydneylocal

A photo posted by Alana Fisher (@aussiegoldy) on Dec 8, 2016 at 4:29am PST

This was one frame. 5second exposure. Going nuts tonight. Now all gone out to sea. Amazing. . . . . . . #amazeballs #sydneystorm #lightening #severeweather #weather #seaforth #sydney #mynikonlife #nikon #bestshots #stormfront #lighteningshow

A photo posted by Ben Hockley (@bhockley) on Dec 8, 2016 at 3:39am PST

Twice in one week. @olympus_au #olympusinspired #olympusvisionproject

A photo posted by Mitch (@mpaynecreative.tv) on Dec 8, 2016 at 11:48am PST

Mother Nature really put on a show, and a long exposure photo from Sydneysider, Ben Hockley, captured the beauty of the skies magnificently.

A photo posted by Ben Hockley (@bhockley) on Dec 8, 2016 at 4:00am PST

BONUS: Super slow-motion video of lightning reveals hidden parts of each bolt