A DRAMATIC storm thundered across central Phuket today, leaving flooding, stalled vehicles and several downed motorcycles in its wake.

The downpour came out of a clear blue sky, blocking drains and carrying topsoil off construction sites onto roads.

Phuketwan may have been among the last saloon cars able to negotiate the coast road from Kalim to Patong before rising water levels outside the Novotel made the road impassable.

Patong Hill developed deep rivulets that made the trek from Patong on one side of the island to Phuket City on the other difficult enough, and the steep slopes approaching from Kathu downright dangerous.

Coming over the hill in the pouring rain, it was impossible not to wonder whether a tunnel would make life better or worse in such an intense downpour.

At the top of Patong Hill an ambulance was parked, ready and waiting. We saw one downed motorcycle near Tesco-Lotus, and there would certainly have been others.