A tree fell on a North Shore house after being struck by lightning. Photo / Hayden WoodwardA neighbour told the Herald that even though they were wearing headphones at the time, they heard “the loudest bang” they had ever heard in their life. “We knew that something had been struck really close, but I didn’t anticipate it to be the tree opposite our house,” the neighbour said. Photo / Hayden WoodwardThe neighbour described the storm as “sudden and violent” and was shocked by the power of the lightning. They are now clearing up debris on the street left behind by the tree, while neighbours watch on.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 03, 2026 05:27 UTC