An Illinois family walked away unharmed after deputies say lightning struck their car while they were driving on a highway on Saturday.

The incident happened on Route 13 in southern Illinois just before 6 p.m. Deputies from the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office responded and found the family of three standing outside the Ford, which had sustained substantial damage, according to the sheriff’s office.

The family told deputies that they heard a loud, gunshot-like noise before the vehicle filled with smoke. 

The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office said a family’s vehicle sustained extensive damage after being struck by lightning on Saturday evening while driving on a highway in Illinois. (Williamson County Sheriff’s Office)

Local firefighters also assisted and deputies said the family’s vehicle was towed from the scene. 

Several roads across the county were closed on Saturday due to flooding, according to the sheriff’s office.

Deputies said the lightning strike left a hole in the top of the vehicle. (Williamson County Sheriff’s Office)

“Please use caution near rising water. High water and flowing water across roadways may be swifter and deeper than expected,” deputies warned. 

Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com