House + thunderstorm + tree + lightning = no roof

aephi alum · #1 04-22-2002, 10:46 PM

I was visiting my parents this past weekend, when a very violent thunderstorm came through. There was a very old oak tree in the yard... well, it ain't there no more.

A lightning bolt hit the tree, and it fell right onto the house and demolished the attic and one of the bedrooms.

Thank God no one was in the room that was hit. My husband was in the next room over, and my parents and I were downstairs. The house was built pre-war, so it was very solidly built - otherwise that tree would have taken out the kitchen. The main trunk by itself was over 15,000 lbs.

Some very kind angel was watching out for me and my family.

DeltAlum · #2 04-22-2002, 10:59 PM

OUCH!

I'm sure glad nobody was hurt. Growing up in the Midwest, I've seen the weather do some really strange (and sometimes violent) things.

When I was very young, a tornado took out a tree that was standing within a very few feet of a relatives house, and did no damage at all to the structure.

Amazing stuff.

aggieAXO · #3 04-22-2002, 11:28 PM

Thank goodness you are o.k. That just re-enforces my love for older houses-much more sturdy then these current "cookie cutter" houses that are being built now.

Peaches-n-Cream · #4 04-23-2002, 12:21 AM

We had a bad storm here this weekend also. Three days of 80 degree plus weather, and then we had what looked and sounded like a hurricane. A nearby school lost its roof. I'm glad that your family is safe and well. I'm sorry about your house.

juniorgrrl · #5 04-23-2002, 09:12 AM

Glad everyone is safe!

Our old house had 2 trees struck by lightning within a year. First strike got one very large tree, took out the cable, killed a TV, a set of wireless phone jacks, screwed up the breaker box, and left a corner of our roof curled up. I was attached to the N64 at the time of the strike, which caused a quite nice fireball. Thankfully, it dissipated before causing any damage. And the N64 still works too...

Second time took out another tree, the VCR, an old laser printer and some other stuff.

Nature is scary!

LeslieAGD · #6 04-23-2002, 10:37 AM

Yikes! Glad everyone came through safely! Good luck repairing the house!