The lightning strike might have only lasted about 30 microseconds, but it was just enough time for Launceston photographer Simon Toogood to capture a shot five years in the making.
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The electrifying photo was taken during the wild weather that hit Launceston on Sunday night and continued into the early hours of Monday morning.
Taken from the ferry terminal for Cataract Gorge Cruises, on Alexandra Walk, Mr Toogood braved torrential rain to capture the moment lightning hit Launceston's Peppers Silo Hotel.
"I knew instantly I had the shot," he said.
"It was about 1am and after about 20 minutes the wind changed, so I had to move on.
"I was soaked by the time I was done."
After moving from Sydney five years ago, Mr Toogood said the opportunity to capture Tasmania's natural landscapes and "wild weather" was one of the major drawcards.
A self confessed storm chaser, he said he had shot about 25 storms during his time in Tasmania, but until Monday hadn't got "the shot".
"We have some good storms lately, but this was certainly one of the best," he said.
"It is a different type of lightning, here in Tasmania.
"I could see the storm coming down the Tamar and I knew I had to go for it."
After sharing the photo on social media, Mr Toogood said he had been in contact with staff at Peppers, who confirmed the lightning did hit the hotel.
"If you zoom in closely, you can also see the strike on the right hit the new Sky Walk," he said.
"It was everywhere."
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Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
