VIDEO: University of Texas Permian Basin Catches Fire

When you move to Odessa, Texas, a few things become clear pretty fast.  Odessa, Texas, is a relatively small town, and the weather in the region can be pretty crazy.  Some people believe our geographical location is the cause for such weather extremes, but who really knows?

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Last week, we experienced some very inclement weather.  Harsh rain, wind, and lightning were in full force.  If you experienced it, then you know exactly what I am talking about.

Since then, a video was uploaded to TikTok showing a lightning strike from the storm a few days ago.  In the video, it shows a passenger in a car driving by the University of Texas Permian Basin.  As the car was passing close by, “The Stragglers” sculpture on the corner of JBS Parkway and 42^nd Street in Odessa, the video catches a tree on fire.

One comment on the TikTok video even commented, "Nooo, the only green trees in Odessa".

Luckily, this was an isolated part of the University of Texas Permian Basin and not connected to any major building or structure.  While the tree did catch on fire, hypothetically, if it were to catch ablaze and get larger, it wouldn't have posed any direct threat to burning any part of the school.

See the video below.

@laurianacastillo Lightning strikes ⚡️ #fyp #foryou #westtexas #odessatiktok #texas #lightningstrike #thunderstorm ♬ original sound - Lauriana Castillo