Since July the internet modem in our house has gotten zapped 4 times.

My BIL, who is a network technician, determined it is coming through the CAT5 cable which runs out to a wireless modem in my barn/shop. .

Last time there was an apparent lightning strike very close that tripped the transformer fuse that feeds my shop + exploded (I mean exploded) an outlet box close the pole that feeds power to an automatic gate (which also got fried). That time the modem got fried.
My BIL replaced the modem and also found a faulty junction in the line that was affected by the power surge. I have installed a grounded network surge arrestor, but last night it apparently didn't work.

The weird thing that happened last night was a 40A breaker that feeds a subpanel in my shop was tripped.

We have lived here for 29 years and I don't think we've ever had this happen once.

All this has happened since I had 4 big pine trees removed in July.

Is this just a fluke? Is there anything I can have my electrician check?

Or are the tree gods taking their revenge?

Do I need to install lightning rods (metal roof)?

We thought it can't happen again, but from now on, we're unplugging the modem the first sound of thunder.