Ark Valley News - Lightning destroys tree

Part of the tree in front of 301 Fieldstone is split by a bolt of lightning March 26.

Lightning destroys tree
By Chris Strunk
Last Updated: March 30, 2017

An early evening storm rumbled through Valley Center March 26 with much-needed precipitation and a brief yet powerful thunderstorm.

Lightning struck too close to home — literally — for one Valley Center resident.

A 23-year-old tree in the front yard of a residence at 301 Fieldstone in the Valley Meadows neighborhood was destroyed when a lightning bolt struck it.

The strike broke branches, burned off bark and sent debris flying.

No structures, cars or people were hit.

Chris Paul, a junior at VCHS who lives at the residence, said he was in his room watching TV when he heard a loud crash.

"It sounded like a bomb went off," Paul said. "It was the loudest thing I ever heard."

He went outside and saw part of the tree lying in the yard.

"My main concern was I hope it didn't hit the house," Paul said. "… All the neighbors rushed outside and gathered around it."

No other damage was reported in Valley Center.

Near Bel Aire, however, lightning was likely to blame for starting a fire that damaged a house near 45th North and Rock Road. Apparently, the fire started in the garage. No one was hurt.