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Lightning strike hits police cruiser in Oklahoma during severe weather. See it

A police cruiser was hit by a strike of lightning in Newcastle, Oklahoma.
A police cruiser was hit by a strike of lightning in Newcastle, Oklahoma. Screengrab from the Newcastle Emergency Management's Facebook post.

Surveillance video at the New Castle Police Department in Oklahoma caught an unexpected surprise during severe weather.

On May 19, a lightning strike hit a police cruiser in the department’s parking lot.

Video shows the strike of lightning hit the top of the cruiser, then flames can be seen. Afterward, a cloud of smoke is seen coming from the vehicle.

“No one was hurt, but that could’ve been anyone,” a Facebook post by the Newcastle Emergency Management said.

The Newcastle area experienced high winds and hail May 19, according to KOKH. Several counties in Oklahoma were under a tornado watch, and severe flooding warnings were issued.

“If you hear thunder, you’re close enough to get hit. Get inside, stay away from trees and metal, and unplug electronics until the storm passes,” the post said. “Take lightning seriously every time.”

Newcastle is about a 20-mile drive south from Oklahoma City.

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Jennifer Rodriguez
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Jennifer Rodriguez is a McClatchy National Real-Time reporter covering the Central and Midwest regions. She joined McClatchy in 2023 after covering local news in Youngstown, Ohio, for over six years. Jennifer has made several achievements in her journalism career, including receiving the Robert R. Hare Award in English, the Emerging Leader Justice and Equality Award, the Regional Edward R. Murrow Award and the Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Award.
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