A terrifying dashcam video captured the moment a powerful lightning bolt struck just metres from a moving car in New South Wales, Australia, as severe thunderstorms swept through the region. The footage shows a sudden blinding flash followed by an explosive crack of thunder, jolting the driver as the strike hits a nearby tree along the roadside.

The incident occurred on January 21, 2026, during a line of intense thunderstorms that brought heavy rain, frequent lightning, and dangerous conditions across central and southeastern New South Wales. The strike illuminated the surrounding area in an instant, underscoring how quickly life-threatening weather can develop during severe storm outbreaks.

Meteorological warnings were in effect at the time, alerting residents to the risk of damaging winds, flash flooding, and intense lightning activity. Experts note that lightning strikes of this nature can be especially hazardous, as bolts can travel outward from the point of impact through the ground, posing serious risk to nearby vehicles and pedestrians.

The video also appears to capture a rare and particularly powerful type of lightning known as a positive strike, which originates from the ground upward and carries significantly higher electrical energy than more common lightning events. Though less frequent, these strikes are responsible for a disproportionate share of lightning-related damage and fatalities.

Officials continue to urge the public to take severe thunderstorm warnings seriously, advising motorists to avoid unnecessary travel during active storms and to remain inside enclosed vehicles or buildings whenever lightning is present. The dramatic footage serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and violent nature of extreme weather.