Lightning strikes

[blitztech]

I recently had an incident where I believe some contractors carelessness greatly increased the chances of my building being struck by lightning. The surge protectors didn't stop it and the things that weren't on surge protectors were fine. Only things directly connected to the modem and the TV was damaged. Modem, router, xbox, & TV, all connected to modem directly so I believe it came in through the cable line. I can't find any evidence anywhere nearby of a strike.

Does lightning generally leave a mark where it hit? Have any of you had your houses struck where no exterior damage could be found?

 

[#1bambam]

I have seen the damage vary from blown out bricks to cracks in the gable facia

 

[Suburbazine]

Lightning can induce charge in nearby low-voltage lines, which is where properly configured surge suppressors come into play. You don't have to have a direct hit for this to happen. Also, a cheap protector is as good as no protection.