**Historic Caernarfon Church Seriously Damaged After Lightning Strike**
A well-known church in Caernarfon, North Wales, has suffered extensive damage following an early morning lightning strike during a severe thunderstorm that swept across the country this weekend.
The incident took place at Caersalem Church, located on Garnon Street, just after 6am on Saturday. Thunder and lightning echoed across the region as Wales came under a yellow weather warning for storms, issued by the Met Office and in effect until 6pm the same day. Strong rains and electrical activity left many communities on edge as they braced for adverse weather.
According to church officials, the bolt struck the main church building, causing what has been described as “significant damage.” Although the external structure was hardest hit, there was also internal impact, with some valuable audio-visual equipment rendered inoperable due to the power surge caused by the lightning. Despite the disruption, there have been no injuries reported, with church members and staff safe at home when the incident occurred.
Reverend Rhys Llwyd, minister of Caersalem Church, recounted the event, stating, “Caersalem Church was struck by lightning early this morning. The building sustained significant damage, and some audio visual equipment inside was affected by the surge shortly after 6am.”
Despite the considerable setbacks, Reverend Llwyd was keen to reassure the congregation and the local community that regular church activities would not be disrupted. “Despite the disruption, we will still be gathering as usual for worship tomorrow morning. Things may look a little different in the short term while we assess the damage and work with the insurance company to make the necessary repairs – but we remain undeterred,” he commented.
He further added: “As a church, we are otherwise experiencing a season of remarkable blessing, with a growing and vibrant congregation each Sunday. We’re especially looking forward to a baptism service in a few weeks’ time. Plenty to be thankful for!”
The storm that struck North Wales also brought heavy downpours to other areas. In the early hours, Natural Resources Wales issued six flood alerts in South Wales as rising river levels threatened local settlements. The combination of flooding risks and lightning strikes compounded concerns among residents and authorities across the country.
The Caernarfon church has long been a focal point for its community, serving both as a place of worship and as a hub for social and charitable events. Parishioners have been left shocked by the extent of the damage, with many expressing relief that nobody was harmed and voicing determination to support restoration efforts.
Inspections are ongoing, with structural engineers and insurance assessors called in to determine the full scale of the repairs required. In the meantime, worship services and community gatherings are set to continue, albeit under slightly altered conditions until full restoration can be achieved.
While thunderstorms are not uncommon in Wales, direct lightning strikes on local landmarks such as Caersalem Church remain rare and serve as reminders of the power nature can wield. As the affected church looks to recover, the community’s resilience shines through, bolstered by faith and mutual support.
Residents are being encouraged to heed advice from weather warnings, particularly as climate patterns create more frequent episodes of severe weather. For now, Caersalem Church and its congregation are focused on moving forward together, hopeful that repairs will be swift and the church will soon be restored to its full glory.