The mystery behind a very loud noise early this morning (Thursday, May 22, 2014) was caused when a large lightning bolt struck a tall tree in the Dutch Hill section of Tamaqua.
Residents of Tamaqua and surrounding communities were awoken around 3:15 AM after hearing a very loud bang. Some even complained of their homes shaking. Most accepted it as being a distant lightning strike or rolling thunder.
At around 2:15 AM this morning, residents living at a duplex at 201 and 203 Market Street said an extremely loud bang caused their house to shake.
Upon further investigation, they found a large piece of their backyard tree laying on the ground. In addition, they could see burnt lines in the grass leading away from the tree’s base.
During the incident, Tiffany Pickett, of 203 Market Street, said she observed glowing sparks coming from cable wires branching up the wall of her bedroom. Pickett, who stated she normally keeps the majority of her electronics unplugged, added that her internet modem and a few other electronics don’t work anymore.
Neighbors Dawson Paulo and sister Brianna Paulo said they were also awakened by the very loud noise. They added that multiple fuses in the home tripped and one of the garage doors stopped working.
Neighbors said debris from the lightning strike landed on nearby vehicles on Biddle Street. Dawson said fuses to a nearby truck were also blown.
A tree cutting contractor is expected to cut down the remains of the tree Friday morning.
This incident marks the second time in less than two years that a lightning bolt struck a tree in the Dutch Hill section. In June of 2012, a lightning bolt struck a tree at the Dutch Hill basketball court. Click HERE to view TamaquaArea.com photos from that incident.