It has tremendous destructive potential. Lightning splinters trees and telephone poles, punches holes in roofs and walls, and starts many forest fires and building fires. Often, in a tree, the electric current is so intense that it instantly vaporizes the moisture in the wood and the superheated steam literally blows the tree to bits. Obviously, too, lightning can kill. Animals seeking shelter under a tree during a thunderstorm are often electrocuted when lightning strikes the tree.
People frequently suffer the same fate, especially on beaches and golf courses.
Lone trees in such locations offer likely targets to lightning. If you are caught out in a thunderstorm, do not seek shelter under an isolated tree. In the woods, stay away from tall trees. And avoid wire fences, pipelines and railroad tracks. You are safer in a valley than on a hilltop.