Lightning strike sends tree crashing onto Hillcrest house in Auckland

A large tree has fallen on a house after being struck by lightning from a “sudden and violent” storm on Auckland’s North Shore.

Fire and Emergency NZ responded to the incident in Hillcrest after being alerted at about 5.12pm, and have now left the scene.

A Herald photographer at the scene said the homeowner made it out of the house safely, and shared how frightening the event was.

The home has a large hole in its roof, which is letting rain in.

The homeowner, who preferred to remain anonymous, told the Herald she watched the storm coming.

A tree fell on a North Shore house after being struck by lightning. Photo / Hayden Woodward

“There was hail and then the lighting and thunder clapped together and it was huge, it looked like fire. It’s blown out the electrics downstairs.”

The woman believed the fallen tree was 55 years old.

“It’s the tallest on top of the hill. My son was downstairs on his computer and he said his arm nearly got blown off.”

Fire and Emergency NZ were in attendance but have since left. Treescape arborists are now cleaning up the debris. Photo / Hayden Woodward

A neighbour told the Herald that even though they were wearing headphones at the time, they heard “the loudest bang” they had ever heard in their life.

“We knew that something had been struck really close, but I didn’t anticipate it to be the tree opposite our house,” the neighbour said.

“We went outside to make sure my car was OK ... and the tree had literally just missed my vehicle, but the house right next door was, unfortunately damaged, and all their vehicles as well were damaged.”

Fire crews responded to assist a homeowner in Hillcrest after a lightning strike blew a large tree apart. Photo / Hayden Woodward

The neighbour described the storm as “sudden and violent” and was shocked by the power of the lightning.

“the lightning also was quite unexpected, at least, obviously, the location and the intensity of it.”

After Fire and Emergency NZ left the scene, Treescape arborists moved in. They are now clearing up debris on the street left behind by the tree, while neighbours watch on.