A powerful bolt of lightning shattered a massive tree in the backyard of the Rodríguez family in southwestern Miami-Dade, causing the house to tremble and leaving its residents in disbelief, as reported by local media.
The electrical storm struck on Friday afternoon amid the violent weather that swept through the southern part of Florida, with several family members inside their home at the time.
The Moment of Impact
Jameson Rodríguez was lounging on the living room sofa snapping a selfie with his dog when the lightning struck just yards away from the house.
"Everything went white, and I realized a lightning bolt hit, but I've never been that close before," Jameson recounted to Telemundo 51, likening the experience to an explosion in the yard.
His sister, January Rodríguez, who was in an adjacent room, was similarly stunned by the power of the blast.
"It was like a crackling sound. The lightning hit, and after the branch fell, there was a large crack in the center," January described, as reported by NBC.
The home's security cameras recorded the precise moment of the strike and the immediate reactions of those inside. In the footage, Jameson can be heard exclaiming, "Oh my gosh, it took down the tree."
A branch landed on the fence separating their yard from the neighbor's property, partially breaking it. Despite the scare, no family members were injured.
"The tree just shattered... and now we've got quite a story and a mess to clean up," humorously remarked Jim Rodríguez, another family member.
A Summer of Deadly Lightning in Florida
The Rodríguez family's experience comes amid a particularly active and deadly season of thunderstorms in the state.
Just days earlier, on August 23, a lightning bolt tragically claimed the lives of 31-year-old Kenya Glasgow and her two-year-old daughter Kennedi in Margate, Broward County, around 2:30 p.m.
Prior to this, 44-year-old fishing captain Rick Stanczyk was struck by lightning near Islamorada in the Florida Keys while out with clients on his boat. He was airlifted to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital and released on August 24.
Florida leads the nation in lightning fatalities with 51 deaths recorded between 2016 and 2025, surpassing any other state. In 2026 alone, the state has experienced over 2.3 million lightning strikes, with some days exceeding 90,000 strikes in just 24 hours.
Essential Safety Tips
In light of these incidents, Erika Benítez from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue emphasized key safety measures for protection during lightning storms.
"The safest place is inside a building or a fully enclosed vehicle with a hard roof," Benítez explained to Telemundo 51.
She also cautioned about actions to take if caught outdoors: "Immediately move away from water, elevated areas, trees, and any metal objects."
Benítez stressed the urgency of response if someone is struck: "Call 911 immediately. Don't be afraid to touch a person who has been struck by lightning, as they don't carry an electrical charge. Providing assistance could mean the difference between life and death."
According to experts, the likelihood of being struck by lightning in Florida is approximately one in 500,000. However, 90% of the state's electrical activity occurs between June and September, heightening the risk for those living in or visiting southern Florida during these months.
Understanding Lightning Safety in Florida
What should be done if you are caught outside during a lightning storm?
If caught outdoors during a lightning storm, immediately seek shelter in a building or a vehicle with a hard roof, and avoid water, elevated areas, trees, and metal objects.
How common are lightning strikes in Florida?
Florida experiences a significant number of lightning strikes, with over 2.3 million reported in 2026 alone, making it the leading state for lightning fatalities in the U.S.
What immediate steps should be taken if someone is struck by lightning?
Call 911 immediately for emergency assistance. Do not hesitate to touch the person, as they do not carry an electrical charge, and providing first aid could be crucial for their survival.