Gum tree destroyed by huge lightning bolt amid storms in Victoria

Residents in Victoria’s Wombat State Forest have been left stunned when a gum tree in their backyard exploded after huge lightning bolt surged right through it.

Tom Morgan and his family were inside their home on Sunday afternoon when they heard the blast.

They raced outside and saw the tree had been struck.

CCTV shows the moment the bolt hit, with large pieces of bark falling to the ground.

Hundreds of people were left without power when a severe storm lashed part of the state.

Read more: Thousands without power in Victoria from severe storm

The SES received close to 400 calls for help, mostly for downed trees.

Damaging winds and flash flooding were expected in the western parts of the state on Monday.