California sees thousands of lightning strikes during spring storm

Californians could see thousands more lightning strikes as more thunderstorms are expected throughout the weekend. The NWS advises people, if "thunder roars, go indoors."

• Apr 11

NorCal spring storm brings lightning in Sacramento

The skies were lit up with lightning overnight in Northern California.

• Apr 10

Thunderstorms roll through parts of Bay Area and Central Valley, spark fires

Thunderstorms rolled through parts of the San Francisco Bay Area and California's Central Valley early Tuesday morning, leading to thousands of lightning strikes and sparking several fires.

• Sep 2, 2025

Lightning strike puts Northern California mobile home in flames

A community in Newcastle is rattled after a mobile home goes up in flames, following being struck by lightning on Saturday evening.

• May 5, 2024

Foresthill house fire may have been sparked by lightning strike

A house fire in the Placer County community of Foresthill on Wednesday may have been sparked by a lightning strike.

• Mar 6, 2024

More than 100 dead geese found in Sacramento County after storm

Dozens of dead geese were discovered in two areas of Sacramento County following Sunday night's storm.

• Dec 19, 2023

Lightning in the Sierra; NorCal weather pattern change on the way

A Red Flag Warning is still in effect until Thursday evening.

• Sep 21, 2023

Lightning strikes cause power outages across California

Shawnte Passmore went to Modesto to learn more about how lightning strikes caused outages across a number of California counties yesterday.

• Sep 10, 2023

Increased thunderstorms putting Sierra firefighters on alert for lightning spot fires

Storms in the Sierra have given fire agencies plenty of work to keep blazes from spreading. So far, firefighters are putting out lightning spot fires quickly. There's already been plenty of action this year in the Sierra. Of the 22 fires within Tahoe National Forest, 15 were caused by lightning strikes. While the extra moisture has helped dry fuels, it's also creating new chances for lightning.

• Jun 23, 2023

First Alert Weather: Tracking lighting across the region

Chief Meteorologist Nic Merianos is tracking thunderstorms, lightning, and rain in some areas of Northern California.

• Jun 10, 2023

Wildfire continues to burn in Yosemite National Park

Lightning-caused blaze discovered last week now estimated at 167 acres

• Aug 13, 2022

Scientists say dry lightning, which has caused some of California's most destructive fires, could happen more often

Dry lightning has ignited some of the most destructive and costly wildfires in California history, a new study shows.

• Aug 8, 2022

Folsom native fatally struck by lightning remembered as "incredible young man"

Brooks Lambertson, 29, was among three people killed by a lightning strike outside the White House in Washington D.C. The banking executive was in the nation's capital for business.

• Aug 7, 2022