The storm that swept northern NSW on Monday night saw lightning strikes injure several people and take the life of one man camping at Mount Warning, near Murwillumbah.
It appears the lightning struck a tree, next to which two campers had pitched their tent. It travelled down the tree and onto the tent, where it struck the victim on his feet, killing him "instantaneously".
Police have described the death as being "very unusual" and a result of "extraordinary circumstances".
Experts and emergency services have offered advice on how to keep safe when lightning strikes, and what happens when someone is unlucky enough to be hit.
Seek shelter, avoid trees
Phil Campbell, a spokesman for the State Emergency Service, says the first thing to do is seek shelter.
"It can be a car or a house, but what's important is that it's an enclosed shelter," he said.
Dr Chris Andrews, a senior lecturer in medicine at the University of Queensland, said if a "substantial" building is unavailable, you should not seek shelter under trees, in a tent, or next to anything that can be struck by lightning.
"It's dangerous to be under rocky overhangs or things of that sort," Dr Andrews told Fairfax Media.
"If you absolutely are stuck, then [going] into a ravine or something that is deep and well sort of overhead-protected is important. But the best thing is to have a plan to get away to one of those other areas."
Avoid metal objects
Once in a sheltered environment, precautions must still be taken. "When you're at home ... it's a good idea to close your windows and doors, and keep away from the windows," Mr Campbell said. He also recommends avoiding anything that might conduct electricity, such as the metal parts of your vehicle or water pipes. "So don't do the dishes or have a shower."
Lightning can also start fires, so any strikes on dwellings should be thoroughly checked to see whether it has been set alight. When taking shelter in a car, Mr Campbell advised to park away from any trees and areas prone to flash flooding.
Crouch, spread out and begin CPR
Not everyone will have access to shelter when a storm strikes, however. If caught out in the open, the advice is to crouch down with your feet closed together and your head down. If in a group, spread out so if lightning strikes it doesn't affect everybody.
In the event someone is struck by lightning, start CPR immediately and call an ambulance. Lightning strikes can cause cardiac arrest but according to Mr Campbell victims can be revived by CPR even when there is no pulse. Continue CPR until medical assistance arrives.
Phones and lightning
The Bureau of Meteorology advises not to use mobile or cordless phones outside during a storm as objects with metal components do increase the chance of being struck.
The bureau also advises people to wait until a thunderstorm has passed before using a landline, as it is possible to be on the receiving end of a deadly electric shock or deafening sound blast during a storm.
Medical risks
Dr Andrews, who is an electrical engineer and medical practitioner, said that when a strong bolt of lightning strikes someone, their heart stops "immediately".
While the heart re-starts by itself, breathing does not, so many lightning strike victims die from a lack of oxygen.
It is "absolutely mandatory" to start CPR immediately on someone who has been struck by lightning and keep it up, Dr Andrews said.
"A very important thing to say is individuals are not dangerous to touch after a lightning strike," he said. "There's no residual charge or anything like that, so CPR can be started absolutely immediately, as opposed to people who are in contact with electric wires and things like that."
Survival rate
The typical mortality rate in Australia for lightning strikes is around 10 people per year, of around 100 people who are struck, Dr Andrews said.
He recommended everyone to read lightning survival tips put together by the US National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration to increase their chances of survival.
Many people who do survive lightning strikes can suffer physical and psychological symptoms afterwards, including muscle pain, problems with vision, and depression.
Plan ahead; avoid high places
Above all, plan ahead and make sure you have an escape plan if things go awry, Dr Andrews says.
Most of Queensland and parts of northern NSW are considered to be in lightning season from November to February, so anyone planning hikes or camping should keep this in mind. Daily and weekly weather forecasts should also be heeded.
"In particular, avoid locations that put you on the top of a mountain, the top of a ridge, or anything that makes you one of the highest points around - that is very attractive to lightning," Dr Andrews said.
"If you're still caught outdoors, then to get very quickly to shelter is important. If you're on a mountain, get down in a hurry."
