Surveillance video: Lightning ignites home
A home security camera captured the terrifying moment a lightning strike hit a house and sparked a fire in Colleyville, Texas.
- On June 11, a lightning strike left a noticeable mark on a Michigan golf course in Gaylord.
- Seeking immediate shelter is crucial during a thunderstorm on a golf course.
- Golfers should avoid tall trees, golf carts, water, and metal spikes during a thunderstorm.
- Waiting 30 minutes after the last thunder is recommended before resuming outdoor activities.
Warnings for golfers to get off the course when storms approach are protocol for a reason: On Wednesday, June 11, a lightning bolt struck a northern Michigan golf course leaving a vivid reminder of the danger in the form of jagged burn marks.
“Mother nature left quite the divot the other day….What you’re seeing here is a ground strike that hit the 11th fairway of the Smith Tradition during a lightning storm,” Treetops Resort said on Facebook.
The resort northeast of Gaylord didn’t report injuries to any golfers or staff, but offered a reminder of the danger and the importance of seeking shelter during a thunderstorm if you’re golfing.
The photos were so impressive, the National Weather Service Gaylord office commented, asking to use the photos of the damaged grass to use for lightning safety instruction.
According to the NWS, the lightning strike was “cloud-to-ground lightning,” the most common type.
“The chance of an individual in the U.S. being struck during a given year is one in 1.2 million. The odds of being struck in your lifetime (estimated to be 80 years) are 1 in 15,300,” the NWS pointed out.
The odds are dependent on exposure, so it’s vital to head indoors if possible and wait out a thunderstorm.
In 2024, there were 12 documented lightning fatalities in the U.S., according to the National Lightning Safety CouncilStates.
Here’s more on lightning safety, on and off the golf course:
Where should I go if I get caught in a thunderstorm while golfing?
The main defense is seeking shelter immediately, according to PGA of America, a golf organization, and the NWS. However, if that’s not possible, here are some other tactics to stay safe:
- Don’t stand under tall trees or sit in a golf cart. Don’t stand under a lone tree, even a small one.
- You must get away from your cart and away from your golf clubs quickly.
- Stay away from water.
- If you are old-school and have metal spikes on, take them off.
- If stranded in the open, go to a low place such as a ravine or valley, or the lowest spot you can find.
In addition, before heading out to play, experts recommend checking the forecast and radar frequently, and asking the golf course staff if they have a lightning detection system, which sets off a siren sound when lightning strikes within an unsafe distance.
The National Lightning Safety Council suggests remaining indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder clap to ensure lightning strikes are over.
Contact Sarah Moore @ [email protected]
