Lightning Strike!
I don’t mean to dwell on this subject, but lightning is a significant part of summer on Long Island and we’ve had a lot lately…
Last night I was blown out of bed by tremendous blast of thunder and lightning. The kind where you see the flash and hear the boom (BOOM!) at the same time.
I checked the house to make sure it wasn’t hit, then went back to bed. This morning I woke to find my cable, phone, and internet service nonfunctional, and a tree in the backyard blown to bits.
And that’s exactly what happens when lightning hits a tree, the water inside it boils and the tree explodes sending giant wooden spears everywhere. That’s very dangerous and a good reason to stay away from trees during thunderstorms.
This oak tree is split from top to bottom and will have to be cut down.
There are thunderstorms in the forecast for the next 4 days. Hopefully I won’t have anymore pictures to post here…
hi Bill, I woke up last week with the same vision, a tree cut at one third of its height. I first thought it was hit by lightning but because I could not see an burnt parts I was confused
when I look at your picture and your explanation (boiling water) now I understand
I am now scared it can happen to trees closer to the house
do you know by any chance someone who could safely knock down these trees for me before the next thunderstorm take care of it ?
Thanks
Franck
Comment by Franck de Vaulx — August 25, 2009 @ 8:48 pm