Lightning — Falls Church (c), Virginia

2000-08-07 · near Falls Church, Falls Church (c), Virginia

Event narrative

A 33 year old man was killed by lightning while standing near a tree at the West Falls Church Metro station.

Wider weather episode

Scattered thunderstorms developed across northeast Virginia during the hot and humid afternoon and evening of the 7th. These thunderstorms produced winds in excess of 55 MPH, large hail, frequent lightning, and heavy rainfall. In Loudoun County, trees and power lines were downed in Middleburg. Heavy downpours flooded Route 50 between Middleburg and Aldie and in the town of Middleburg. Dulles International Airport recorded 2.32 inches of rainfall and a wind gust of 48 MPH. In Fairfax County, quarter sized hail fell in McLean and Wolftrap Park, nickel to quarter sized hail fell in Herndon, dime sized hail fell in Reston, and pea sized hail fell at Tyson's Corner. A 53 MPH wind gust and 1.61 inches of rain was reported in Herndon where 3 trees were downed. Over 70,000 customers lost power across northern Virginia as a direct result of the storms. In Falls Church, a 33 year old man was killed by lightning at the West Falls Church Metro Station. The victim was standing near a tree that was struck by lightning at the bus stop on the east side of the station. High winds downed over a dozen trees onto roads, cars, and structures across the city. Lightning struck a satellite dish at a local radio station, frying sophisticated computer equipment. Nickel sized hail was also reported. In Arlington County, nearly 400 trees were downed onto roads, power lines, homes, and cars. One house was completely destroyed by a large downed tree. Nickel sized hail fell in downtown Arlington and a wind gust of 45 MPH was recorded at Washington National Airport. Lightning struck an antenna at the Arlington County Emergency Communications Center and knocked out the entire radio dispatch system temporarily. In the city of Alexandria, several downed trees and power lines blocked roads and one tree landed on a car.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5172670. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.