The paper presents the issue of the impact of atmospheric outbreaks on the OPGW rope. The characteristics of lightning currents and the stochastic nature of their occurrence are presented. Thermal damage of the OPGW rope, which may occur at the point of lightning strike, is considered. The occurrences of reverse jump and single-pole short circuit, which occur as a result of a lightning strike in the OPGW rope, were observed. Measures that could be implemented in order to reduce the risk of damage to OPGW ropes are also given. Concrete examples of budgets are also presented in the paper.