Torrential rain caused roads in Moray to flood in a matter of minutes yesterday afternoon.
A spectacular display of fork lightning was followed by heavy downpours near Rothes, which caused the A941 to shut while rivers formed in gardens with water that poured downhill.
Mud and debris were left strewn outside properties, whose owners were caught unawares and did not have time to react to the sudden unseasonal change in weather.
Emergency services closed the busy route between the town and Elgin after the road became impassable.
At the height of the deluge, rubble, which had been swept down the slopes at the Glen of Rothes was dumped in the way of vehicles.
Traffic was diverted via Keith with police officers in Elgin turning traffic away from the A941.
Water was pumped away from Main Street in Rothes with side streets also affected.
The fire service sent one unit from Rothes to the A941 to pump water from the road at a number of locations.
A fire spokeman said:
“We were called at 3.20pm to the A941 road between Elgin and Rothes.
“We remained there until 6.15pm and pumped water off the road.”
VIDEO: Torrential rain floods Moray roads and homes