Lightning Strikes Road - Blast Causes Significant Damage

Hamilton County, TN – Earlier tonight around 8:00 pm, HCSO Deputies got to see firsthand just how powerful Mother Nature can be when she decides to harness the full power of lightning.

HCSO Deputies' Jason Smith and Kevin Ritchey responded to Stoney River Drive after residents reported that lightning had struck a residential roadway.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered the road had indeed been struck by lightning and noted that due to the damage, it was not passable by vehicles. Residents in the community were also amazed at the sheer power and damage caused by the violent act of nature. "We were both truly astonished by the destruction to the roadway that was caused by this bolt of lightning," stated Deputy Kevin Ritchey. "It was definitely a first for both of us."

Deputies immediately notified the Hamilton County Highway Department and secured the damaged roadway until crews arrived to prevent motorists from damaging their cars.

Lightning strikes to roads are rare, but do happen. According to the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL), a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), one lightning bolt can produce 100 million to 1 billion volts and contains billions of watts. More interesting facts about lightning can be found at their website at

http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/lightning/faq/

Below are some pictures provided by HCSO deputies on scene and permission has been granted for them to be used by media sources. Please credit HCSO Deputy Kevin Ritchey for his photos.