Just a quick explanation and apology. I spotted on 2m SSB. It was raining and I was under the tarp, but manageable.
The radio was filled with wall to wall static. “Hmmmm, that’s not good” thought I.
Then the rain increased to “hosepipe” level, it went very very dark and the static went up to S9. I had made a handful of contacts with strong stations I could hardly hear due to the static. Then it jumped up to S9+.
I got the distinct feeling I was receiving a warning! Down came the mast and I rapidly packed away.
Of course as I descended out of the AZ the rain stopped… it did return shortly after.
I didn’t see any lightning or hear thunder in the end, but having survived two close strikes over the last 40 years in the mountains I am happy to be wrong on this occasion.
Anyway.. sorry to everyone I abandoned.. something I rarely do.