A pickup truck parked in Klein, Texas, met an unexpected end Tuesday night when a thunderstorm passing through the area brought a lightning strike that set the vehicle ablaze.
According to the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office, the burn happened in the 6700 block of Cypresswood Drive, with the truck’s hood and front door flung open. No injuries were reported in the incident.
Lightning is certainly a force of nature to be reckoned with. While the number of fatalities in the U.S. caused by lightning over the past five years has fallen to a recorded average of 17 people per annum, this drastic form of weather is still estimated to hit the nation’s land over 25 million times annually.
Safety is always key in the face of a thunderstorm. The National Weather Service suggests people take care to stay away from tall objects, exposed patches of land, and electronics and plumbing during a lightning storm.
If outside, seek shelter in a sturdy building or car, and if inside, don’t stand near windows and doors. Cars provide extra protection, with occupants advised to remain buckled up and not to touch any metal surfaces.
Nothing can protect you better than knowledge. Lightning is a powerful force of nature that can quickly cause destruction. Knowing how to stay safe and following the National Weather Service’s tips can help you and your family stay free from harm during a storm.