Lightning in Polk County, Florida
Lightning July 4, 2009 · Polk County, Florida
Where the report was made, with tornadoes recorded within 15 miles over the years.
What the National Weather Service wrote
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.
The wider storm
High pressure ridging across the area allowed for scattered afternoon thunderstorms to develop along sea breeze and outflow boundaries.
Began near Winston (28.0565, -82.0338).
Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event 185584. Narratives are written by the National Weather Service forecast office that issued the report.
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