Wild weather buffeted the Three Towns last night leaving chaos in its wake, including a sinkhole.

Torrential rain and thunderstorms tore through Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston causing damage to property and flooding.

A hole over a metre wide appeared at the foot of the iron bridge at the corner of Bute Terrace, Stanley Place and Stanley Road in Saltcoats.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: Lightning strike in the Three Towns. Credit: Marion McginnLightning strike in the Three Towns. Credit: Marion Mcginn

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: The Iron Bridge at the corner of Bute Terrace, Stanley Place and Stanley Road in Saltcoats. Credit: The Oaks Veterinary CentreThe Iron Bridge at the corner of Bute Terrace, Stanley Place and Stanley Road in Saltcoats. Credit: The Oaks Veterinary Centre

Ayrshire police and the Met Office issued safety warnings ahead of the downpour, while SEPA had warned of an immediate risk of flooding.

Buses have been diverted as they are unable to stop in Saltcoats or Stevenston.

A Stagecoach spokesperson said: "Due to flooding and Police road closures, the 11 service cannot service Saltcoats or Stevenston.

"The buses are diverted from Ardeer Service Station, High Road to Glasgow Street Ardrossan."

Roads and parks across the area have been flooded.

Residents complained that the thunder and lightning made for a restless sleep.

And pets were affected too, with dog owners having to try and calm down their anxious canines.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: Lightning at 3.30am this morning in Saltcoats. Credit: @LauramumLightning at 3.30am this morning in Saltcoats. Credit: @Lauramum

Thunderstorms are caused when warm air appears underneath colder air.

The warm air rises and, if this is rapid enough, water vapour forms into cumulonimbus clouds, and then droplets can freeze to make hail.

As the hail moves around inside the cloud it becomes charged. The difference in charge between the ice crystals in the top of the cloud and the bottom builds and discharges.

Attracted by the Earth's surface, other clouds and objects, the discharge appears as a flash of lightning.

The rapid expansion and heating up of the air caused by the lightning strike is what creates the loud clap of thunder.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: Galloway Place, Saltcoats after last nights torrential rain. Credit: Linda Gourley (left). High Road and Jack's Park after the thunderstorm. Credit: Johnny Gartland‎ (right).Galloway Place, Saltcoats after last nights torrential rain. Credit: Linda Gourley (left). High Road and Jack's Park after the thunderstorm. Credit: Johnny Gartland‎ (right).