Got to thinking today about how storms affect the railroads. One particular railfan trip, in fact the biggest group that I had assembled in went to Stevens Pass, WA in a convoy of five vehicles and sixteen people (if I recall correctly).
We hit the bar at Skykomish for beans and a storm had started in. Because of the large group of us, it was overwhelming to the cook and one waitress. All of us sitting trackside, not minding that heavy rain waited for us outside.
I saw a bolt of lightning hit the ground about a 1/2mile up the hill directly across from our view from the bar's front window. Immediately the crossing signals went into motion, flashing into the down position, only to come back up. No train. This happened about a half-dozen times. Bolt hits ground, signals cycle.
Why would this happen? Anyone witnessed something similar?

almo