

Storms containing lightning struck the region on Thursday as temperatures reached the mid to high 90s and caused major power outages in Maryland, with Governor Larry Hogan tweeting that there were "more than 50,000 power outages." According to the National Park Service, crews are repairing damage to the monuments electronic access. Newsweek has asked DC Fire and EMS for comment.Īccording to the National Weather Service, an average of 23 people per year have been killed in lightning strikes since 2012, while nine people have died as a result of lightning strikes so far in 2022, with seven of those dying in July alone. The Washington Monument is closed Tuesday after it was struck by lightning over the weekend. Officials said the presence of the Secret Service and Park Police meant the victims were able to survive. Lafayette Park is directly across from the White House, which may explain the quick response of the Secret Service. Huge Sunspot Region Facing Earth Develops 'Beta-Gamma' Magnetic FieldĪuthorities said that they are investigating the exact cause of the injuries the four people received.Over 100K Power Outages in Detroit, Wider Michigan After Storms.landmark twice per year on the high end and once every five years on the low end, says meteorologist Chris Vagasky. Man Trying to Kill Spider Arrested After Starting 60-Acre Wildfire: Police Lightning strikes the iconic Washington, D.C."Anybody that goes to seek shelter under a tree, that's a very dangerous place to be." "Trees are not safe places," Maggiolo said. ET and advised about a threat from winds of up to 60 miles per hour and hail the size of quarters.ĭC Fire and EMS received the report about the lightning strike in Lafayette Park at 6:52 p.m.Īt a press briefing on Thursday night, Maggiolo said that the strike had occurred in a grove of trees in the park about 100 feet from a statue of former President Andrew Jackson. The National Weather Service had issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the D.C. Maggiolo recorded the statement inside a vehicle as heavy rain could be seen outside and he cited the " significant storm conditions currently taking place in the area." "We were able to quickly treat and transport all four patients and they were all taken to area hospitals," the spokesperson said. In a video statement posted to Twitter, DC Fire and EMS spokesperson Vito Maggiolo said: "All four were suffering from critical, life-threatening injuries" when help arrived. Four people have been injured in a lightning strike near the White House. The north lawn of the White House is seen in Washington, DC on July 9, 2021.
