There is a lot of energy in a lightning bolt. If you don't believe me just spend a few seconds with this video. These pictures were taken during a recent thunderstorm in Lafayette Louisiana. As you can see the cloud cover has made the area quite dark. Then watch as a bolt of lightning lights up the sky.

Since it all goes by kind of fast in the video we've taken some screen shots to show you just how bright and powerful a bolt of lightning can be. This is the back patio before the lightning strike.

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Staff Photo
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This is that same patio just seconds later as a huge lightning bolt strikes just yards away from the area where I was filming.

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staff photo
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As you can see the flash of lightning makes the patio area brighter than the noonday sun on a beautiful day.

It is no wonder weather service officials urge you to take shelter during thunderstorms. Lightning is one of the biggest killers that Mother Nature dishes up. Make sure you and your family know what to do during a lightning storm.

We are nearing that time of year when thunderstorms can pop up in just a matter of moments. Having basic lightning safety knowledge could mean the difference between life and death.

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