No more than a week ago, this tree at Westside Park was still standing and was among the tallest trees in the park. Staff photos by Caden Senn
A large tree and popular photo spot at Westside Park in Marble Falls was struck by lightning last week as thunderstorms moved into the Highland Lakes on Thursday, Oct. 1.
The tree stood near the park’s main parking lot and provided shade for a nearby picnic table. It was among the largest trees in the park and had long become a familiar backdrop for visitors.
Shortly after discovering the damage, several residents took to Facebook to share memories of the tree, recalling their kids playing around it, having picnics near it, and posing for photos with it in the background.
As of the afternoon of Monday, Oct. 5, the tree was surrounded by caution tape. The strike caused significant damage, snapping the tree at its trunk.
Whether or when the tree will be removed was unknown at the time of this article’s publication.
The tree was struck by lightning as heavy rain and thunderstorms moved across Central Texas, snapping it at its trunk.
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