lightning strike caught on camera

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Because you insisted, here's the unedited screaming version. I also added video from a minute before the lightning struck so you can get an idea of how hard it was raining. From what i understand, it went through my right hand holding the railing, crossed my back and exited out of my left hand holding onto the camera. No entry or exit wounds, as i was not directly struck, i got just a really good zap from a "streamer". And if you want to make a metal railing joke...go ahead, but holding onto one is actually what kept me from frying.

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Comments

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(208 comments)

SLOWLORIS says:

I will definitely think twice next time before hanging out of a second floor window taking video during a lightning storm.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Azure says:

uhhhh.

um.

watching this makes me feel intense.

you are amazing.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Azure says:

you were IN your HOUSE?????!?
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

SLOWLORIS says:

Yah, hanging out my sliding glass door, holding onto a metal railing.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

baconbits says:

Wowzapalooza! That is insane!

We were up in Birch Bay during that storm and I was terrified just to have the window open. Glad you're okay. Any strange new powers, like the ability to levitate or see the future?
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

stulka says:

That made it more real. Holy smokes J-Ray, glad you´re alright!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

the3robbers says:

...that's awful...although luckily you don't seem to be erasing videotape like jack black was in 'be kind rewind' : )
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Chumford says:

awesome!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

corianton says:

Oh my god, I was laughing hysterically until I realized that it actually struck YOU! Now I am felling totally morose. Can you imagine if we'd lost you?? I'm so glad you're okay.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

esteban says:

I have a friend who has been struck by lightening and by the power of the internet I can sort of share the experience. I love you JJ+nature+internets. Glad you were not fried.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

andyphares1903 says:

Does everything smell like Chicken Fried Steak to you now?
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

bcgatterman says:

Oh my gosh JJ! I cant believe you were struck by lightning!!!! Crazy! You ok?
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

SHEAHAN DRIVE says:

That video is horrifying...i'm so glad you didn't feel any adverse affects. Thankyou for sharing with us your close shave, and for being so open about such an amazing occurance.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

bunchie_30 says:

holy crap.

glad you're ok.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

andyphares1903 says:

After watching this a few more times I think I'm ready to say "I have found my new ringtone".
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

SLOWLORIS says:

But of course it will be your ringtone.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

jenibarcott says:

holy shit jessica! i'm glad you're okay. that just means i can laugh about it.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

jenibarcott says:

and, did you know this just adds to the legendary status you hold in anacortes/ on guemes island.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

laurelgwilson says:

Well. That's messed up. You know...you could be a youtube celeb with this. Glad you are ok though, (i can't stop watching it).
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

stulka says:

If there is one person that I know that would hang outside a window dangling from a metal bar during a thunder and lightening storm it's Jessica!

WHAT WILL SHE DO NEXT???
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

k_c_m_c says:

SUPER F-IN HARDCORE... That is insane, totally insane. I bet beer tastes really really good after that.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Deirdre Jean says:

incredible!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Emmett's mom says:

Are you fucking serious? Dude you're so lucky you didn't die! Next time wear a rubber jump suit!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

ingebling says:

very viking-ish behaviour. very brave!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Vital Industries says:

wow! that is amazing! and how cool to have it on video. I had one of the close call moments once. I find its something I like to keep close to me and remind myself about every once in a while. happy to hear you are okay. Cheers! Crystal
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

bre pettis says:

This is amazing!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

zemote says:

Holy Crap, so glad your ok!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Halcyon says:

WOW. What a captured moment.... intense!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

mfafilm says:

Whacked. Don't know you but really glad you're ok-... R U OK?
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

victor.vasquez says:

Sssshit. You're very fortunate, in that you captures such an event and that you were left unscathed. Spectacular. Thanks for sharing.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Jeremy Brooks says:

Wow! That's something else! Glad you're ok...
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

heather says:

holy crap is right. glad you're ok.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

.schill says:

Wow, that is pretty rare; good thing you weren't hurt. On the upside given your luck, have you considered buying any lottery tickets lately? ;)

I had lightning hit my neighbours' house moments after I came home one day in a similar storm, it fried a bunch of electronics equipment in their place and my own - it was incredibly loud, too. I'm sure the sound in your video doesn't do the real thing justice.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

cngodles says:

Wow
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Michal Osmenda says:

OMG!!!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

corazón girl says:

Ohhhhhhh wow!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

~mintas.fotos~ says:

holy smokeraroonies.....
found u thru the blog.....
amazing ....
u are one lucky girl...
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Linda B (Wine Diva) says:

I just saw this on the Flickr Blog...all I can say is DAYUM!!!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

rheauchyr says:

OMG.... I now other ways to get a really good zap :-)
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

PhotoCharlie! says:

Saw this on the Flickr blog... woah! Hope you're ok!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

nonac. says:

WHOA

I do believe the adage "right time with camera in hand" applies but it was definitely a scary "right time" to have the camera rolling

thank goodness you are ok and all is good, that was incredibly dramatic and really intense!

--
Seen on blog.flickr.net (?)
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

CUBIST LITERATURE! says:

WTF?!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

nixta says:

Nice job surviving a lightning strike down one arm and out the other, but could you feel the impending strike? Did the air cool? Did you feel a tingling at all beforehand?
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Baldur Pan says:

Holy hell :o
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Zooguu says:

wow. My body hurts just watching that video.

glad you're ok!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

gavino•vz says:

I like the fact that on flickr's blog it gives you, this might be disturbing part under the video. I got freaked out when you got hit. Your really blessed you came out all right.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

SLOWLORIS says:

So many questions, so here's a little bit more about it....First off, just to reiterate, i'm totally fine! At the end f the video you can see my left hand starting to shake. It threw me back a few feet and then i proceeded to have a breathing problem that sounded like breath hiccups, short and quick, and that lasted for about 3-5 minutes. While that was going on i sat and watched my left arm shake like a jackhammer which seemed to last forever and i could feel the travel path in my arm for the 24 hours following. The air did turn much warmer after the strike. i didn't notice cooling air before, but i also wasn't thinking it was about to hit the ground in front of me.

I had no idea i even took video of this until at least 20 minutes later. It was a total surprise!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

txkimmers says:

Holey good god ahmighty!

I felt guilty faving this, listening to your voice. But I did it anyway.

Glad you are ok!

ps, I noticed that you listed "weather" first in your interests on your profile. you weren't kidding.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

werewegian says:

Amazing. I had a bad shock from a dodgy electrical socket as a child so I know exactly what you mean about that travel path and the jackhammering. Not nice. But so glad you survived relatively unscathed. And it will make a great dinner party story!

I took some video of a storm from my window a few weeks ago. I won't be doing that again. :)
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

anendel says:

Lucky you are ok. But hey, now you are one of the few people who can say you were really hit by a lightning... and you have it on camera :-)
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

The Naked Artisan says:

Holy cow! My worst fear! Glad nothing horrible happened to you!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

ledthread says:

You are sooooo special!!!!!!!!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Brenda Anderson says:

Just amazing!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

mathias is analogue says:

damn
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

monkeyleader says:

potentially the craziest thing I've seen ever ! Madness. Glad you are okay !
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

tastybit says:

You are so lucky. Glad you are OK.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

djwudi says:

Oh. My. God. That's crazy. Incredible -- and incredibly lucky!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

wiccked says:

omg, that is just.. amazing! glad you're ok. (came from flickr blog too)
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

DavidLynch says:

I hope that all of y ou people know that you can buy fabulous shirts from this girl! She needs the business to stay busy and calm her nerves!

www.slowshirts.com
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

iPhone2 says:

lmao. That was cool
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

alexrudloff says:

This is the most badass thing I've ever seen.

I'm pretty sure you're a super hero now.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

_saturnine says:

Holy moly, I do this a lot. Never going to again. I am so glad you're OK!!!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

arlorumpff says:

Jay Ray
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

bluheron says:

Glad you're ok, and I can't believe that the bolt didn't fry your camera!! Wow! You should sell the footage to whatever brand makes your camera to show how durable it is!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

norbography says:

Most excellent.

How were your undergarments after that? :)
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

larf says:

will you use your powers for good or for evil?
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

runnr_az says:

That's pretty crazy!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

SFKelly says:

Glad you're alright. I'm amazed that you didn't fling the camera away! I agree with the other commenters that you really ought to have super powers now.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

abookl/redvixen says:

Wow!!! That left me speechless! Am I glad you're okay. Was the camera fused to your hand?/jk
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

msjacoby says:

Just another statistic.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Jenguin says:

Oh my goodness! Glad you're ok too!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

ontarioemperor says:

You wouldn't think of something like this happening at your house, but obviously it can.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Chumford says:

I have to stop looping the last 3 three seconds!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

NikonD80 Vision says:

who would think this would happen.

glad to hear you are OK.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

maximus_chatsky says:

He fought his first battle on the Scottish Highlands in 1536
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

kencee_capri10@yahoo.com says:

We should also avoid using our cellphones or any electornic gadgets for that matter during a thunderstorm.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

kencee_capri10@yahoo.com says:

We should also avoid using our cellphones or any electronic gadgets for that matter during a thunderstorm.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

khkg says:

awesome
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

bcmom says:

Wow, this is scary!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Azchael says:

oh my god... I am glad u r fine.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

rgdaniel says:

That's a big YIKES !!!

--
Seen on Bloglines. (?)
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Robert Dumas says:

Holy cow.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

√oхέƒx™ says:

Glad you are okay and thanks for sharing.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

handsomemcgee says:

Um, if you're panning the camera, how are your hands on the sill? and boy does that lightning flash look like a firecracker.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

nichole_e says:

Jiminy! Glad you're OK!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Brady Bone says:

I am surprised no one has asked you if you have SEEN A DOCTOR!

I am glad you are ALIVE not just O.K. My uncle was struck and he was O.K. but it affected him for the rest of his life.

Please do see a doctor. Lightning is more than just a "really good zap."
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Precious Roy says:

crazy!!! hope you are ok!!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Julie Lynn Ivens says:

ok, I should have read that flickrblog said it actually hit you and you screamed, I never could have watched that if I knew...I am so glad you are ok, that is terrifying...
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Sweetsop says:

W O W
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

trungson says:

Wow, I looked again and again at that moment. Must be quite an experience!!!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

clickykbd says:

Um. Glad you are alive. But have you seen a therapist about your flickr/mobile/document-my-life addiction? I mean odds of lightning striking you are slim enough, but to have been recording before/during/after is kinda insane!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

gawd says:

hahahahaha! oh, your god!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Nobledesign says:

How horrible! What a shock that must have been! Not even said in a joking manner. Whew, thank God, you're alright.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Shannon Dagher says:

WOW...followed this from the Flickr Blog. What a story (and experience) Thankfully, you're ok. Amazing to have it on film though...what a badge of courage! :)
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

ZioSam says:

if you make a lightning shirt - id love to buy it!

Im so glad to hear your ok.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

nex says:

How sure are you about your interpretation of what happened? Just trying to make sense of this ... From the description I expected that the entire lightning bolt would hit you and that the video would end in that instant (I think a camera would get knocked out at least), but what we actually see is lightning striking down there somewhere among the trees?
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Marco Raaphorst says:

I am glad to hear all is fine now.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Craig Butcher says:

Just appeared here from Flickr Blog. Holy crap... that is amazing and I'm glad you are alive in the process.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

eliasg says:

yes did camera survive? inquiring minds need to know :D
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

simonbostock says:

Wow. Everybody is having a lean forward moment round the computer staring in disbelief. My 3-year-old son wants to watch it on repeat. Glad you're okay.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

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Taken on July 2, 2008
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