Lightning Strikes And Power Outages

Wednesday evening, you may have heard the stunning crack of lightning. One of those strikes hit at least two fir trees in the 18800 block of 26th Ave NE. One adjacent neighbor, Greg Ubelhart, said the strike was "Loud and violent. Stuff got knocked off shelves." Another neighbor, Justin, whose house was even closer to the trees, pointed out where his chain link fence became electrified, causing a weld. Lightning strikes typically carry enough voltage to instantly "cook" a cow or even a herd of them, as animals often take cover from storms under trees. The lightning also blew the cover off Justin's former telephone box on the side of the house and tripped three of his breakers. The phone box lid is still lying in his driveway about 20 feet away. Jason mentioned he's having an arborist analyze the trees. 

High winds, falling trees, branches, and lightning are no joke. Just before this lightning strike, I noticed a person jogging down 40th Pl in complete darkness, wearing a coat with a barely noticeable reflective stripe (looking at you, guy in blue jacket). When these conditions occur, it's best to go to the safest part of your house and avoid being out, such as jogging or other activities, that can likely wait (and please make yourself more visible than you think you are). If you'd like a free reflective arm band (or several), reach out..  Here are some lightning safety tips. 

Neighbor Justin's fence weld mark was caused by high voltage passing through the fence. Photo by author.

Mutliple photos vertically stiched showing most of the lightening strike damage although more damage was noted even higher up. Photo by author.

Chunks of wood resting about 50 feet from the tree they were blown off of. Photo by Greg Ubelhart.

Meanwhile, a reported 658 Horizon View residents lost power around 2:30 PM Thursday, who have been growing weary of power outages.