St. John the Baptist Parish Public Works employees work to clear away debris from a cypress tree that was struck by lightning during a pop up thunderstorm in the LaPlace area Monday afternoon. Neighbors said the tree, located on Marseille Drive about a block from Carrollwood Drive, was estimated to be about 20 years old. One neighbor said the strike happened about 3:30 p.m. Monday and scattered branches and splintered wood up and down the street. The tree was later completely cut down. (Staff photo by Robin Shannon)