Is this normal? · Weather
I think we were struck by lightning
Short answer
Lightning strikes on airliners are relatively common and rarely significant. The airplane's skin conducts the current around the cabin and critical systems. You may see a flash or hear a bang, and usually that's all.
Where this comes from
Lightning strikes on airliners are relatively common, and planes are built for them. Here's why you'll probably never notice.
Based on: Boeing AERO Magazine, "Lightning Strikes: Protection, Inspection, and Repair" (via SKYbrary, PDF); FAA Lessons Learned — Pan Am 214, Boeing 707, Elkton, Maryland (1963).
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