Full Breakdown
Lightning Strike Near Utah Truck Captured on Dashcam
By Drooid · · How we work
Event Details
A dash-cam video recorded by motorist Tucker Ralphs shows a bolt of lightning striking the side of Interstate 84 near the mouth of Weber Canyon. The flash hit the freeway just feet away from a moving truck, narrowly missing the driver. Ralphs described the sound as a “very sharp ‘crack’ and ‘boom,’” followed by an instant, intense flash of light. The incident occurred earlier this week while Ralph was commuting home on the Utah freeway.
Official Confirmation
The National Weather Service verified that a thunderstorm moved through the area at roughly 9 p.m. local time. Agency data indicate a lightning strike made contact with the side of the highway at that moment, matching the visual evidence captured in the dash-cam footage.
Context and Frequency
Lightning strikes on roadways are rare but can pose serious hazards to motorists, especially when they occur on elevated terrain such as canyon passes. The NWS notes that Utah experiences an average of several hundred lightning strikes each summer, with higher concentrations in mountainous corridors where storms intensify.
Safety Implications
While no injuries were reported in this case, the event underscores the importance of driver awareness during severe weather. Experts advise motorists to reduce speed, increase following distance, and seek shelter when possible if thunderstorms are forecast. The footage has been shared widely on social media, serving as a visual reminder of the unpredictable nature of lightning and its potential to affect highway travel.
