Close Call: Lightning Strikes Near Family in California

Close Call: California Mother Captures Lightning Strike Feet From Daughter A family in Huntington Beach, California experienced a terrifying close call on June 3, 2025, when a lightning bolt struck a house just feet from where their young daughter was standing. The dramatic event was captured on video by the children's mother, Tiffanie Buckner, who shared the footage on Storyful and FOX Weather. "It definitely was loud and startled all of us," Buckner said in an interview on FOX Weather, describing the moment the lightning struck. "Hence why the kids came running undercover." The video shows Buckner's six-year-old daughter, Penelope, standing calmly near the curb as the lightning illuminates the sky. The close proximity of the strike to the family is alarming, highlighting the unpredictable nature of severe weather. While no one was injured, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking shelter during thunderstorms. The tree near where the lightning struck had to be cut down due to the damage. The incident shows how quickly a dangerous situation can develop, even in areas not known for frequent lightning strikes. The family's safe outcome offers a positive conclusion to a potentially tragic event.