Lightning — Anne Arundel, Maryland

2000-06-17 · near Annapolis, Anne Arundel, Maryland

Event narrative

A 58 year old man was killed and 8 people were injured after lightning struck the tree they were standing under near the athletic field at Annapolis Middle School.

Wider weather episode

Slow moving thunderstorms dropped very heavy rain across Maryland during the afternoon and evening of the 17th. In Washington County, some streams rose above bankful and roads were temporarily covered by water after a deluge of rain. Over 1.25 inches of rain fell in 90 minutes. In Montgomery County, 2.04 inches fell in Deerwood. In Prince George's County, 2.72 inches fell in Ft. Washington, 2.26 inches fell on Harry Truman Drive, 1.86 inches fell on Lottsford Rd., 1.83 inches fell at Andrews AFB, 1.75 inches fell near Oxon Hill, 1.47 inches fell at Depot Pond, 1.46 inches fell at the County Justice Center, 1.36 inches fell in Landover, and 1.27 inches fell in Marlboro. In Anne Arundel County, minor flooding occurred near City Dock and West Street in Annapolis. Nickel sized hail was also reported. Winds in excess of 55 MPH downed trees and power lines onto roads across the county and capsized a kayak near Green bury Point. A lightning bolt hit a tree next to an athletic field at Annapolis Middle School where 9 people involved with a rugby game were taking shelter from the storm. A 58 year old man standing under the tree went into cardiac arrest after the bolt struck and died in route to the hospital. Two people under the tree were taken to the hospital in critical condition with severe burns on their feet. One of these victims was holding a metal umbrella. The 6 remaining victims were treated for minor electric shock wounds.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5154472. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.