Lightning — Polk, Florida

2009-07-04 · near Winston, Polk, Florida

Event narrative

Lightning struck in a soccer field as a church group was in the midst of a game and nearby picnic. This strike was a bolt from the blue as there was no rain in the immediate area. Radar detected the core of the storm to be six miles to the south of the location. Eighteen victims were transported to area hospitals where one died from his injuries. Another nine victims were treated on-site with symptoms consistent with a lightning strike.

Wider weather episode

High pressure ridging across the area allowed for scattered afternoon thunderstorms to develop along sea breeze and outflow boundaries.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (28.0565, -82.0338)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 185584. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.