Lightning Tree Damage
If you stand underneath a tree during a thunder storm, this is one of the riskiest, most dangerous places to be since trees are grounded innto the earth’s surface and are natural targets for lightning. Your chances of being struck are much higher than being elsewhere. Usually a few things will happen when a tree is struck by lightning:
Complete Destruction: When a tree has pre-existing damage such as problems with the tree trunk, and additional moisture build-ups, this is a major problem. That water contained within the tree that follows down to the trunk acts as the perfect conductor electricity If hit by the tree, it will be blown apart.
Scarring: This will appear as though long strips of bark were actually burn away off the outer portion of the tree. Definitely no where near as terrible as complete destruction, this will require some mending because it leaves the core of the tree vulnerable to pests and disease.
No Damage: This is rare and usually only happens if there is heavy moisture outside of the tree. It’s also the best outcome you could look for in the event of lightning damage.