Over 2,000 Lightning Strikes Hit Northern California this Week
The National Lightning Detection Network reported that it detected 2,125 strikes of lightning in the Northern California, with the most strikes detected in the areas of Shasta, Siskiyou, Lassen and Modoc Counties
Earlier this week, we reported on a beautiful and frightening lightning storm that hit Northern California on Tuesday night. Turns outs, it was just a warm up for what proved to be a week full of lightning strikes all over the area.
The National Lightning Detection Network reported that it detected 2,125 strikes of lightning in the Northern California, with the most strikes detected in the areas of Shasta, Siskiyou, Lassen and Modoc Counties. Here’s a map of the strikes:
It all began on Tuesday night when reports of lightning strikes were occurring in the area around Redding. Some people were lucky enough to get some great photos and videos:
Nice lightning show in #Redding. 4 out 5 stars. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/Ql52Gor2iz
— Rob Elvington (@RobElvington) May 16, 2018
Bechelli/Hartnell. pic.twitter.com/eAmzQRXcUc
— KRCR PHOTOG (@krcrphoto) May 16, 2018
Four Corners (Churn Creek/Hartnell) #enterprisedistric pic.twitter.com/LFUk1Fc0Nq
— KRCR PHOTOG (@krcrphoto) May 16, 2018
Then, when we thought we were free and clear of the madness, more strikes hit on Wednesday:
Incredible #lightening show toward Folsom! @CBSSacramento @GoodDaySac pic.twitter.com/aydwMHkLtt
— Dina Kupfer (@DinaKupfer) May 16, 2018
This #lightening is impressive! #nofilter @CBSSacramento @GoodDaySac pic.twitter.com/z40JMqnnyi
— Dina Kupfer (@DinaKupfer) May 16, 2018
Another video sent in and this one of what looks to be cloud to ground lightning! This was sent in by Brian Champion and was taken off of Stewart Avenue.
Keep sending in the videos and pictures of the severe weather you captured in your area!#OrWx #CaWx @KTVL pic.twitter.com/qSzTMefkzL
— Randi Burns (@RandiBurnsKTVL) May 16, 2018
Luckily, these storms hit in May as opposed to later in fire season. Many trees were reduced to wood chips when lightning hit, and if this were July, we’d most likely be talking about the wildfires started by the strikes. Here are some trees that didn’t make it through the storm:
What does a single tree fire look like? This tree was struck by lightning the evening of May 15, 2018. Forest Service Firefighters quickly responded to put the tree fire out and preventing further fire damage to the surrounding trees and area. #ShastaTrinityNF pic.twitter.com/GJJfTxi0xK
— Shasta-Trinity NF (@ShastaTrinityNF) May 16, 2018
Huge splinters from Oak litter greenbelt in Roseville after being #stuckbylightning #lightning #storm #rain @GoodDaySac @CBSSacramento @GoodDayKenR @GoodDayMarianne @tvNewsChristina @tlomedia @LisaMeadowsCBS @NWS @NWSSacramento pic.twitter.com/QvcbhYKKYs
— David Grashoff (@CameraGuyDave1) May 16, 2018
Phew, what a week! Luckily we got out of the storm unscathed, with no reports of injury or property damage. Let’s hope this weather doesn’t return during fire season…
