Lightning Strike Causes Explosion and Power Outages in South Carolina

Lightning Strike Causes Explosion and Power Outages in South Carolina

A dramatic video recorded by a police dashcam in South Carolina captured the moment a lightning bolt hit an electric pole, resulting in a fiery explosion and significant power disruptions. The incident, which occurred on a Monday morning, caused a transformer to detonate and sent a large ball of fire into the sky, startling morning commuters.

The footage, shared by the Mount Pleasant Police Department on its social media account, shows the powerful bolt striking a pole near Highway 17. The intense electrical surge was strong enough to cause streetlights along the road to short out immediately.

Following the impact, a brilliant fireball erupted, with sparks and embers raining down over the highway. The event led to widespread power outages and traffic congestion that lasted for approximately three hours. Police were needed to manage traffic at several intersections while utility workers responded to restore power and address the downed wires.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the incident.

The lightning strike is part of a recent trend of severe weather in the state. According to reports from a local news outlet, South Carolina has experienced an unusually high number of lightning strikes this summer, with some weeks seeing nearly 100,000 bolts. Experts attribute this increase to a combination of high moisture levels and unstable atmospheric conditions.