Lightning — Tuolumne, California

2013-07-01 · near Dardanelle, Tuolumne, California

Event narrative

Thunderstorms developed in the afternoon along the Sierra Nevada crest and spread eastward. Witnesses reported a 66-year old female died in a campground after a lightning strike hit the area. No enter/exit woulds reported to confirm a direct hit. However, evidence would suggest cardiac arrest due to a lightning strike was likely the cause of death.

Wider weather episode

Moisture from the south and instability from the heatwave brought thunderstorms up along the Sierra Nevada slopes and northern mountains, Monday through Thursday afternoons. Some lower elevations saw showers on Wednesday as well.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (38.3500, -119.8500)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 470527. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.