Alabama Lightning Strike Kills Over 30 Cows Sheltering Under a Tree

An Alabama lightning strike killed more than 30 cows sheltering under a tree amid the severe storm in Cullman County.

Weather forecasts say that the rest of northern Alabama is expected to encounter severe thunderstorms for the rest of the week.

Alabama Lightning Strike Kills Over 30 Cows

An unexpected lightning strike has left a community in Alabama reeling with grief. As per Fox News Online, over 30 cows seeking shelter from a torrential downpour were tragically struck down by a lightning bolt, killing them afterward.

The incident, which unfolded in Cullman County, sheds light on the unpredictable and devastating power of nature. As the storm clouds gathered, these innocent herd of cows had no idea that their decision to seek refuge beneath a tree would result in such a catastrophic outcome.

News of this shocking event has spread like wildfire, leaving both residents and animal lovers across the nation in utter disbelief. Cullman Daily took to Facebook to share a photo of the incident, showing the devastating dead bodies of deceased cows lying under a tree. The caption reads: "A Cullman County farmer lost 31 cows today."

The post received thousands of "sad" reactions and hundreds of "care" reactions with some users expressing their condolences in the comments section. Facebook users extended their prayers to the farmer who lost more than a dozen cows. One user replied, "This is so sad to hear." Another commenter wrote, "Praying for the farmer and poor cows that lost their lives." Some users shared that the devastating incident broke their hearts.

According to a local news channel WVTM13, the owner of the beef cattle is a farmer named Daymin Gardner. His brother disclosed that they plan to give their cows a proper burial.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), taking cover under a tree ranks among the primary factors contributing to lightning-related fatalities. WVTM13 stresses that lightning strikes the tallest object, which in this case was the tree the cows used as their shield from the heavy downpour.

Severe Thunderstorms Warning in Alabama

As AL.com reports, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA)'s Storm Prediction Center issued severe thunderstorm warnings the day the cows died. It forecasted a Level 2 warning across North Alabama on July 1. On top of that, the forecast also pointed out potential severe storms in South Alabama.

The weather outlook issued a Level 1 warning or "Marginal Risk" across Alabama for Monday, July 3, affecting cities like Florence, Huntsville, Decatur, and Birmingham.