In the metropolitan region of Natal, over 180 lightning strikes were recorded within a 24-hour period, specifically from 8:40 AM on Tuesday to 8:40 AM on Wednesday. This alarming weather phenomenon was highlighted by videos from security cameras that captured the intensity of the lightning along with the corresponding thunder. The energy distribution company, Neoenergia Cosern, reported that a total of 184 lightning strikes were documented in Rio Grande do Norte, with the majority occurring in Ceará-Mirim.

The most significant impact was in Ceará-Mirim, where 112 strikes were tallied, leading to substantial disruptions in the area. Two of these strikes hit an electrical substation at approximately 5 AM, resulting in power outages affecting around 18,000 households for about one hour. Other municipalities also reported multiple lightning strikes, including Taipú, which experienced 26 strikes, and Extremoz, with 15.

This unusual weather event underscores the increasing volatility of atmospheric conditions in the region, raising concerns about the potential for further thunderstorms and related hazards in the coming days. The unexpected nature of such severe weather occurrences can have both immediate consequences, such as power disruptions and risks to public safety, as well as long-term implications for infrastructure and community preparedness against similar future events.