Tree cracks in half, damages Cooper City home

Neighbors say tree toppled after apparent lightning strike

COOPER CITY, Fla. – A Cooper City home was damaged by falling tree branches after an apparent lightning strike early Monday morning.

Residents who live near Lakeshore Drive and Stonebridge Parkway told Local 10 News they heard a loud bang and crash around 4:50 a.m. 

"The loud crash and the thunderclap and the lightning was simultaneous," said Richard Mure, whose fence was also damaged. "You didn't have the delay between the two so you knew it was very, very close. It was probably the loudest thunderclap I've ever experienced."

According to Mure, branches from the tree fell across the street and through his wood fence. Branches also knocked out several windows of a neighboring home. 

"It's just a reminder of the power of Mother Nature and the damage she can do when she wants to," said Mure.

Another resident nearby, Marion Olsen, said part of the tree crashed into her living room, which she was planning to redecorate.

"Maybe this is a good (thing). It will get restarted quicker," she said. 

The road was closed off as crews cleaned up what was left of the tree.