Shocking video shows lightning strike near a police officer's cruiser in Illinois

Shocking footage shows a lightning strike near an Illinois police officer's cruiser during a storm.

The 16-second video shared by the Glendale Heights Police Department on Wednesday captures the lightning strike and sparks that followed near the officer's car on a rainy night. Police said it happened "after several nights of extreme storms."

Officials issued a tornado warning earlier this week in Dupage County, about 26 miles from Chicago. Severe weather has caused significant damage and resulted in the death of a 44-year-old woman, who died after a tree hit her home, according to ABC 7. Hundreds of people were even ordered to shelter in place at two Chicago airports.

"This is a reminder that these storms are to be taken seriously. Whenever a warning goes out, please take shelter immediately," police added.

Illinois weather:Video shows passengers sheltering in place at Chicago airports due to possible tornadoes

Lightning strike incidents across the country

Earlier this week, a 17-year-old survived a lightning strike that came "straight through a tree" in Altamonte Springs, Florida, per local reports. He was doing yard work for a neighbor when he was struck by lightning.

"I was trying to finish up. I was about to head back to my truck, and suddenly, I woke up face down in a puddle," Daniel Sharkey told local news.

As USA TODAY previously reported, Florida is considered the state with the highest lightning strike density in the country.

In June, seven children on a group hike with their Utah-based church were hospitalized after lightning hit the wet ground next to them. Two of the victims faced serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.