Lightning Bolt Leaves Hole In Cranston Couple's Kitchen Floor: Report

CRANSTON, RI — A couple from Cranston had the shock of their life when their home was struck by lightning Wednesday night, WJAR reported.

The bolt strike made a sound "like a bomb went off right inside the house" when it came through the kitchen window and left a hole in the floor, Sandra Pastore told the outlet.

She and her husband could even smell it.

Read the full report in WJAR.

About 40 million lightning strikes hit the ground in the United States each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most are reported in southern states, particularly in Florida and Texas.

Lightning can come through cracks on the sides of windows, particularly in older homes, The National Weather Service reported. It can also travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring, according to the CDC.

To avoid injury from a lightning strike even while indoors, the CDC suggests you avoid water, don't touch electronic equipment, avoid windows, doors, porches, and concrete, and don't use corded phones.