![WOW! Watch Lightning Strike Destroy Utility Pole Along Illinois Roadway](http://townsquare.media/site/723/files/2023/02/attachment-lightning-strike.jpeg?w=980&q=75)
WOW! Watch Lightning Strike Destroy Utility Pole Along Illinois Roadway
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.
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
Check out this insane video:
LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades
KEEP READING: Get answers to 51 of the most frequently asked weather questions...
More From Rockford's New Country Q98.5
![Northern Illinois Braces For High Wind And Derecho Threats Today](http://townsquare.media/site/723/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-14T201126.254.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![10 Posts That Perfectly Sum Up Life In Illinois Right Now](http://townsquare.media/site/723/files/2024/04/attachment-%2525E2%252580%25259CMidwest-peer-pressure-is-when.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![4 Reasons to Love (or Hate) Spring in Illinois](http://townsquare.media/site/723/files/2024/04/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-04-23T111324.678.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![BEWARE! Red Flag Fire Warning Issued For Most of Illinois](http://townsquare.media/site/723/files/2024/02/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-02-26T115951.216.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Was This Week’s Massive Cell Outage In Illinois Caused By Solar Flares?](http://townsquare.media/site/723/files/2024/02/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-02-23T101213.916.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![The Reason Why Salt Isn’t Always Effective On Illinois Roads](http://townsquare.media/site/723/files/2024/01/attachment-Untitled-design-92.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Illinois Weekend Storm Blows Massive Kids Toy On Top of Power Lines](http://townsquare.media/site/723/files/2022/03/attachment-tramp-in-sky.jpeg?w=980&q=75)
![Illinois Man Faces Murder Charges in 2021 Death of Fiancée](http://townsquare.media/site/723/files/2024/07/attachment-BEACON.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![The Truth About These Giant Mosquitos Seen All Over Illinois](http://townsquare.media/site/723/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-26T155018.783.jpg?w=980&q=75)