'Shock to my stomach': Cypress teen reflects after lightning strikes home while playing video games

July 9, 2026 - 08:40

A 13-year-old boy in Cypress is counting his blessings after a lightning bolt struck his home while he was absorbed in a video game Tuesday evening. The teenager, who asked to remain anonymous, described the moment as a "shock to my stomach" that he won't soon forget.

As severe storms rolled through the area, the teen was seated at his computer, focused on his game, when a sudden, deafening crack erupted from the roof. The lightning strike sent a violent surge through the home's electrical system. The boy said he felt a jolt travel through his body, and his computer monitor went black instantly. The sound was so intense that he initially thought something had exploded inside the house.

His parents rushed into the room to find him stunned but unharmed. Fire crews later arrived to inspect the property, confirming that the lightning had hit the roof and traveled through the wiring. The strike caused minor damage to the home's electrical panel and fried several electronics, including the teen's gaming setup. No one in the family was injured, but the experience left the young gamer with a new respect for storm safety. He now plans to unplug his devices during future thunderstorms.