On a stormy afternoon in Potchefstroom, nature reminded us just how powerful it can be. A bolt of lightning struck a tree in Cachet Park on Monday 24 March 2025, right in the heart of the Bult, causing it to fall onto a parked vehicle in a parking lot. Miraculously, no one was inside the vehicle at the time, and no injuries were reported.
The scene was quickly attended to, with teams from the JB Marks Municipality and North-West University (NWU) working together to remove the fallen tree and clear the area. Their prompt response ensured that traffic and pedestrians could move safely again within hours.
🌩️ Did You Know? Lightning Facts:
A single bolt of lightning can contain up to one billion volts of electricity — enough to toast 100,000 slices of bread!
Lightning is actually hotter than the surface of the sun. It can heat the air around it to 30,000°C (54,000°F).
The average lightning strike is 5 kilometers long, but it can stretch much farther in some cases.
South Africa experiences a high number of lightning-related incidents, especially during the summer months. The Highveld region (which includes Potchefstroom) is particularly lightning-prone.
Trees are frequent targets because they’re tall, filled with moisture, and offer a direct path to the ground for lightning.
⚡ Lightning Safety Tips ⚡
Stay safe when the skies turn stormy!
🌩️ Before the Storm
✅ Check weather alerts before heading out.
✅ Unplug electronics if lightning is forecast.
✅ Avoid parking under tall trees.
⚡ During a Storm
🚫 Don’t stand under trees or near tall structures.
🏠 Stay indoors and avoid using wired electronics.
🚗 If you're in a car, stay inside — it acts as a Faraday cage!
🛑 Stay away from water — including taps, showers, and pools.
🌤️ After the Storm
🔍 Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before going outside.
🧰 Check for damage to trees, power lines, and structures.
📱 Report fallen trees or power outages to your local municipality.
While it’s not uncommon for trees to bear the brunt of these natural strikes, it's always a reminder to stay cautious during storms — especially when parking under tall trees!
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