Japan: Rare Lightning-Fireworks Moment Wows Crowd at Uozu Festival

The 2026 Jantokoi Uozu Festival Offshore Fireworks Display in Uozu, Toyama Prefecture, went ahead despite unfavorable weather on Saturday, August 8. While the weather didn't cooperate, the poor conditions produced a dramatic moment rarely seen: as the very first firework launched, a bolt of lightning streaked across the night sky. The crowd erupted in cheers at this rare sight.

US: Severe Storms Slam Washington, D.C., Leave Thousands Without Power 5

Severe thunderstorms swept through the Washington, DC area on Thursday night, September 3, unleashing wind gusts topping 60 mph that toppled trees and cut power to more than 150,000 customers. The storms also produced frequent lightning and flooding in parts of the region.

US: Severe Storms Slam Washington, D.C., Leave Thousands Without Power 3

Severe thunderstorms swept through the Washington, DC area on Thursday night, September 3, unleashing wind gusts topping 60 mph that toppled trees and cut power to more than 150,000 customers. The storms also produced frequent lightning and flooding in parts of the region.

US: Severe Storms Slam Washington, D.C., Leave Thousands Without Power 4

Severe thunderstorms swept through the Washington, DC area on Thursday night, September 3, unleashing wind gusts topping 60 mph that toppled trees and cut power to more than 150,000 customers. The storms also produced frequent lightning and flooding in parts of the region.

US: Severe Storms Slam Washington, D.C., Leave Thousands Without Power

Severe thunderstorms swept through the Washington, DC area on Thursday night, September 3, unleashing wind gusts topping 60 mph that toppled trees and cut power to more than 150,000 customers. The storms also produced frequent lightning and flooding in parts of the region.

US: Severe Storms Slam Washington, D.C., Leave Thousands Without Power 2

Severe thunderstorms swept through the Washington, DC area on Thursday night, September 3, unleashing wind gusts topping 60 mph that toppled trees and cut power to more than 150,000 customers. The storms also produced frequent lightning and flooding in parts of the region.

US: Lightning Flashes Light Up Sky During Severe Storm in New Jersey 2

RESTRSevere storms swept through the New York City area and New Jersey on Tuesday night, September 1, prompting a severe thunderstorm warning for Staten Island, Brooklyn and parts of New Jersey, along with a tornado warning in Burlington County, though no touchdown was reported. This video shows flashes of lightning lighting up the sky in Brick Township, New Jersey, as the storm system passed through the area.

US: Lightning Flashes Light Up Sky During Severe Storm in New Jersey

Severe storms swept through the New York City area and New Jersey on Tuesday night, September 1, prompting a severe thunderstorm warning for Staten Island, Brooklyn and parts of New Jersey, along with a tornado warning in Burlington County, though no touchdown was reported. This video shows flashes of lightning lighting up the backyard trees and sky in Williamstown, New Jersey, as the storm system passed through the area.

Saudi Arabia: Massive Lightning Strikes Clock Tower in Mecca

A strong lightning bolt struck the clock tower in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday, August 26, amid a thunderstorm.

US: Stalled Front Brings Intense Thunderstorms to Central Florida

Central Florida experienced intense afternoon thunderstorms on Sunday, August 30, as a stalled front and a low-pressure system over the Gulf of Mexico brought strong winds, frequent lightning and localized heavy rainfall to the region.

France: Violent Thunderstorm Downs Trees Across Lyon

A violent thunderstorm hit Lyon and its surrounding region in France's Rhône department on Friday, August 28, prompting an orange storm warning. Heavy rain, gusts exceeding 110 km/h, and lightning brought down trees across the city, causing damage in multiple areas.

France: Thunderstorms Topple Trees, Damage Homes Across Hérault 2

Violent thunderstorms swept through France's Hérault department Monday evening, damaging 46 homes, injuring two people and prompting nearly 180 emergency responses, according to fire officials. The storm hit the region between roughly 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., bringing heavy rain, lightning and powerful wind gusts that toppled trees and damaged buildings across the department.

France: Thunderstorms Topple Trees, Damage Homes Across Hérault

Violent thunderstorms swept through France's Hérault department Monday evening, damaging 46 homes, injuring two people and prompting nearly 180 emergency responses, according to fire officials. The storm hit the region between roughly 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., bringing heavy rain, lightning and powerful wind gusts that toppled trees and damaged buildings across the department.

Canada: Massive Lightning Strike Caught on Camera in North Vancouver

A massive lightning strike was caught on camera in North Vancouver Saturday night, August 22, as a severe thunderstorm moved through southern British Columbia.

Canada: Lightning Storms Disrupt Flights at Vancouver Airport

Overnight lightning storms disrupted operations at Vancouver International Airport, forcing a pause of more than five hours, with more than 50 flights cancelled and at least 53 delayed into Sunday, August 23. Environment Canada recorded nearly 2,000 lightning strikes across British Columbia's South Coast between Saturday night and Sunday morning.

Spain: Lightning-Sparked Fire in Castellón Forces Evacuation of Gátova

A wildfire that broke out in Segorbe, Castellón province, on Thursday, August 20, has burned around 630 hectares, forcing the evacuation of nearly 1,000 people from Gátova. The fire started when lightning struck during a dry storm, spreading toward the Sierra Calderona Natural Park. The fire was declared stabilized on Sunday.

US: Roaring Thunder and Lightning Strike Pensacola, Florida

Heavy rain and darkened skies swept over Pensacola, Florida, on August 19, as thunderstorms rolled through the Gulf Coast region, with flashes of lightning and loud claps of thunder throughout the video. This video shows dark storm clouds, rain, and lightning flashing outside an apartment window as thunder rumbles overhead during the storm.

US: Storage Tanks Ignite at Oklahoma Pipeline Facility After Suspected Lightning Strike 4

A fire broke out at the Explorer Pipeline facility in Glenpool, Oklahoma, Monday morning, August 17, after a suspected lightning strike ignited tanks containing natural gasoline, prompting evacuations and school shelter-in-place orders. The blaze, which began around 8:34 a.m. in one tank before spreading to three, was extinguished by Monday afternoon after nearly 50 personnel responded, though crews continued applying foam overnight to prevent reignition. No injuries were reported. Nearby schools, businesses and homes were evacuated as a precaution, with authorities directing traffic to alternate routes around the area.

US: Storage Tanks Ignite at Oklahoma Pipeline Facility After Suspected Lightning Strike 3

A fire broke out at the Explorer Pipeline facility in Glenpool, Oklahoma, Monday morning, August 17, after a suspected lightning strike ignited tanks containing natural gasoline, prompting evacuations and school shelter-in-place orders. The blaze, which began around 8:34 a.m. in one tank before spreading to three, was extinguished by Monday afternoon after nearly 50 personnel responded, though crews continued applying foam overnight to prevent reignition. No injuries were reported. Nearby schools, businesses and homes were evacuated as a precaution, with authorities directing traffic to alternate routes around the area.

US: Storage Tanks Ignite at Oklahoma Pipeline Facility After Suspected Lightning Strike 2

A fire broke out at the Explorer Pipeline facility in Glenpool, Oklahoma, Monday morning, August 17, after a suspected lightning strike ignited tanks containing natural gasoline, prompting evacuations and school shelter-in-place orders. The blaze, which began around 8:34 a.m. in one tank before spreading to three, was extinguished by Monday afternoon after nearly 50 personnel responded, though crews continued applying foam overnight to prevent reignition. No injuries were reported. Nearby schools, businesses and homes were evacuated as a precaution, with authorities directing traffic to alternate routes around the area.

US: Power Flash Captured Amid Monsoon Storms in Phoenix, Arizona 2

Monsoon storms slammed Arizona's West Valley on Sunday, August 9, bringing more than an inch of rain, strong winds, thunder, and lightning. Damage such as downed trees and power outages was also reported. This video captures a power flash during monsoon storms in Phoenix.

US: Power Flash Captured Amid Monsoon Storms in Phoenix, Arizona

Monsoon storms slammed Arizona's West Valley on Sunday, August 9, bringing more than an inch of rain, strong winds, thunder, and lightning. Damage such as downed trees and power outages was also reported. This video captures a power flash during monsoon storms in Phoenix.

US: Monsoon Storms Batter Arizona’s West Valley, Causing Damage

Monsoon storms slammed Arizona's West Valley on Sunday, August 9, bringing more than an inch of rain, strong winds, thunder, and lightning. Damage such as downed trees and power outages was also reported.

China: Traffic Light Takes Direct Lightning Strike During Thunderstorm

A lightning strike hit a roadside utility pole and communication cables in Anping Village, Jiangxi Town, Nanning, Guangxi on August 5, producing a bright flash, sparks, and yellow smoke, and briefly knocking out a nearby traffic signal. Local authorities said the strike did not affect residents' daily lives.

US: Lightning-Sparked Three Queens Fire Grows to 2,000 Acres Near Kachess Lake, WA

The Three Queens Fire, sparked by lightning near Kachess Lake on July 15, has grown to 2,000 acres with 0% containment, and evacuations remain around Kachess and Cle Elum lakes.

US: Severe Thunderstorms Bring Strong Wind, Knocking Down Trees in New Jersey

Downed trees, snapped wires and flash flooding shut down multiple lanes and stretches of major highways across New Jersey on Friday, August 7 as severe thunderstorms brought heavy rain with strong winds and intense lightning amid a regional heat advisory.

US: Severe Thunderstorms Bring Intense Lightning to New Jersey

Downed trees, snapped wires and flash flooding shut down multiple lanes and stretches of major highways across New Jersey on Friday, August 7 as severe thunderstorms brought heavy rain with strong winds and intense lightning amid a regional heat advisory.

US: Heavy Rain and Strong Wind Sweep Across New Jersey

Downed trees, snapped wires and flash flooding shut down multiple lanes and stretches of major highways across New Jersey on Friday, August 7 as severe thunderstorms brought heavy rain with strong winds and intense lightning amid a regional heat advisory.

US: Heavy Rain and Strong Wind Sweep Across New Jersey 2

Downed trees, snapped wires and flash flooding shut down multiple lanes and stretches of major highways across New Jersey on Friday, August 7 as severe thunderstorms brought heavy rain with strong winds and intense lightning amid a regional heat advisory.

US: Heavy Rain and Strong Wind Sweep Across New Jersey 3

Downed trees, snapped wires and flash flooding shut down multiple lanes and stretches of major highways across New Jersey on Friday, August 7 as severe thunderstorms brought heavy rain with strong winds and intense lightning amid a regional heat advisory.

US: Widemouth 2 Fire Burns 84,000 Acres and Remains Uncontained

The lightning-caused Widemouth 2 Fire in Millard County, Utah, grew to more than 84,000 acres and remained at zero percent containment as of Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 4, prompting evacuation orders for Fillmore, Kanosh, and Meadow as crews worked to protect structures and infrastructure.

US: Little Giant Fire Grows to Nearly 60,000 Acres in Washington Forest 3

The Little Giant Fire, sparked by lightning on July 15 in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, grew to an estimated 59,345 acres with no containment as of Tuesday, August 4. Gusty winds under a Red Flag Warning drove rapid spread, sparking a new spot fire and prompting additional evacuations. Smoke from the blaze also triggered an Air Quality Alert across multiple counties.

US: Heavy Rain and Hail Trigger Flash Flooding Across New Jersey 2

Parts of New Jersey were battered by heavy rain, lightning and hail Monday night, July 27, triggering flash floods, fires and widespread weather-related disruptions, and many cars stalled out in low-lying areas. Flooding continued into Tuesday.

US: Heavy Rain and Hail Trigger Flash Flooding Across New Jersey

Parts of New Jersey were battered by heavy rain, lightning and hail Monday night, July 27, triggering flash floods, fires and widespread weather-related disruptions, as many cars stalled out in low-lying areas.

China: Rocket Struck by Lightning Continues Flight Into Sky

On July 23, 2026, in Xichang, Sichuan, a Long March 3B carrier rocket was struck by lightning shortly after launch. Despite the strike, the rocket continued flying normally and successfully completed its mission into the sky.

Canada: Car Stuck in Floodwater After Storm Hits Edmonton

A severe thunderstorm brought strong winds and heavy rain to Edmonton, Alberta, on Saturday, July 25, as Environment Canada placed the city under a severe thunderstorm watch, warning of possible tornado risk, hail, and lightning in the area. This video shows a car stuck in floodwater on Groat Road.

Canada: Severe Thunderstorm Brings Strong Winds, Heavy Rain to Edmonton 3

A severe thunderstorm brought strong winds and heavy rain to Edmonton, Alberta, on Saturday, July 25, as Environment Canada placed the city under a severe thunderstorm watch, warning of possible tornado risk, hail, and lightning in the area. The footage shows the severe weather hitting the Klondike Day festival.

Canada: Severe Thunderstorm Brings Strong Winds, Heavy Rain to Edmonton

A severe thunderstorm brought strong winds and heavy rain to Edmonton, Alberta, on Saturday, July 25, as Environment Canada placed the city under a severe thunderstorm watch, warning of possible tornado risk, hail, and lightning in the area.

Canada: Severe Thunderstorm Brings Strong Winds, Heavy Rain to Edmonton 2

A severe thunderstorm brought strong winds and heavy rain to Edmonton, Alberta, on Saturday, July 25, as Environment Canada placed the city under a severe thunderstorm watch, warning of possible tornado risk, hail, and lightning in the area.

US: Thunderstorms Bring Heavy Rain to Loveland, Colorado

Thunderstorms brought heavy rain to Loveland, Colorado on Tuesday, July 21.

China: Man Miraculously Survives Direct Lightning Strike While Fishing

Surveillance footage from July 6, 2026, in Xianning, Hubei, captured the moment a man fishing beside a river during heavy rain was struck by lightning, triggering a burst of flames and thick smoke. Despite the terrifying impact, he reportedly survived with only minor injuries, while his fishing gear was left damaged beside him.

China: Man Narrowly Escapes Lightning Strike in Shanghai

A man filming farmland under darkening skies in Shanghai on July 9, 2026, captured the moment a bolt of lightning struck the ground directly in front of him. The flash lit up the scene in a startling close call just before an incoming storm.

US: Thunderstorms and Possible Flash Flooding Threaten Maryland 2

A severe thunderstorm watch was in effect for much of Maryland on Thursday, July 9, with a tornado warning issued for parts of the state and a brief waterspout observed off Cobb Island. Forecasters warned of damaging winds, isolated flash flooding, and frequent lightning as storms moved east.

Mexico: Sonora Braces for Heavy Rain, Hail, and Flash Flood Risk

Sonora faced unstable weather on Thursday, July 9, with heavy rain, lightning, and hail in parts of the state. Authorities warned of flash flooding, landslides, and rising river levels, while sustained gusty wind raised the risk of reduced visibility and falling debris on roads.

US: Thunderstorms and Possible Flash Flooding Threaten Maryland

A severe thunderstorm watch was in effect for much of Maryland on Thursday, July 9, with a tornado warning issued for parts of the state and a brief waterspout observed off Cobb Island. Forecasters warned of damaging winds, isolated flash flooding, and frequent lightning as storms moved east.

France: Lightning-Triggered Wildfire in Planay, Savoie, Burns 60 Hectares

A wildfire that broke out in Planay, Savoie, France, after a lightning strike on June 24, has burned 60 hectares and threatens the D915 road to Pralognan-la-Vanoise. A 22-year-old volunteer firefighter was killed overnight on July 7-8 after being struck by a falling boulder while battling the blaze.

US: Severe Thunderstorms Bring Damaging Winds and Heavy Rain to Chicago Area 2

Severe thunderstorms moved into the Chicago area, including parts of Indiana, on Friday, July 3, bringing lightning, torrential downpours and damaging winds. Weather alerts were issued for several areas in both Illinois and Indiana.

US: Severe Thunderstorms Bring Damaging Winds and Heavy Rain to Chicago Area

Severe thunderstorms moved into the Chicago area, including parts of Indiana, on Friday, July 3, bringing lightning, torrential downpours and damaging winds. Weather alerts were issued for several areas in both Illinois and Indiana.

US: Severe Thunderstorms Move Into Chicago Area, Bringing Intense Lightning

Severe thunderstorms moved into the Chicago area on Thursday, July 2, bringing intense lightning.

Canada: Storms Batter Southern Ontario, Disrupt Canada Day Celebrations 2

Intense storms swept through southern Ontario on Wednesday, July 1, downing trees and breaking at least one monthly rainfall record, with damaging winds, torrential rain and frequent lightning disrupting outdoor Canada Day gatherings across the region, including in the Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa.