Lightning is one of the most spectacular and awe-inspiring displays of nature's power. While many people have seen it from a distance, seeing it up close can be a completely different and frightening experience.

The first time I saw a lightning strike up close was when I was camping when I was a kid. I was in my tent, reading a book when suddenly, there was a bright flash of light followed by a deafening boom. The tent shook as if an earthquake had hit, and I was paralyzed with fear for a moment. It was a terrifying experience that I will never forget.

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The speed and power of lightning make it one of the most dangerous forces of nature. It can travel at speeds of up to 270,000 miles per hour and release an incredible amount of energy when it strikes the ground. This energy can start fires, knock down trees, and cause structural damage to buildings.

In addition to its speed and power, lightning is also incredibly unpredictable. It can strike anywhere, at any time, without warning, making it dangerous for anyone who is outside during a thunderstorm.

Driver Captures Terrifying Lightning Strike On Dash Cam

During a thunderstorm in Chicago, someone was driving and witnessed a utility pole getting struck by lightning. There was a bright flash of light, and then the pole exploded into pieces, raining debris down onto the street. This event was a reminder of the destructive power of lightning and how important it is to take precautions during thunderstorms.

See More: Ways to Prepare for Severe Weather in Illinois

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LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades

Stacker ranked the most expensive climate disasters by the billions since 1980 by the total cost of all damages, adjusted for inflation, based on 2021 data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The list starts with Hurricane Sally, which caused $7.3 billion in damages in 2020, and ends with a devastating 2005 hurricane that caused $170 billion in damage and killed at least 1,833 people. Keep reading to discover the 50 of the most expensive climate disasters in recent decades in the U.S.

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