Watch: Auckland Sky Tower hit by lightning

Wednesday, 5 June 2019

A Sky City spokeswoman said the tower is equipped to conduct lightning strikes in a safe manner for those inside.

A video has captured the moment lightning struck the tip of Auckland's iconic Sky Tower.

Andrew Stanley was working on level three of a construction site in Auckland's Freemans Bay when he noticed lightning strikes moving closer towards to the Sky Tower.

Watch as lightning strikes the tip of the Sky Tower during an Auckland storm.

He began filming, and the very next lightning strike hit the tower's tip at around 1pm on Wednesday June 5.

'I was with a work colleague and we both looked at each other and our jaws dropped.'

**READ MORE:

Andrew Stanley began filming the Sky Tower just as it was struck by lightning.

* Live: Strong winds start battering the north as storm brings rain, thunder, and snow to New Zealand

* Caravan flips and building damage after tornado hits Far North**

Stanley feared for those inside the tower, wondering what it was like to be inside while lightning struck.

But Sky City communications manager Laura Barrett said it is '100 per cent' safe for lightning to hit the tower.

The tower has an advanced protection system which equipped the tower to withstand lightning. The tower is earthed and a 50 centimetre diameter dynasphere on top of the mast conducts any lightning.

'This system ensures the safety of guests within the tower, who, alongside the spectacular weather views, will only hear a thunder clap not the strike of lightning itself.'

Met Service meteorologist Peter Little said Auckland had been hit by 91 lightning strikes by 1.16pm.

'It is a significant amount of lightning, there's a lot of thunderstorms.'

However, weather was looking up and he was hopeful Auckland would 'see some sunshine' in the afternoon.