Lightning — Frederick, Maryland

2002-08-03 · near Frederick, Frederick, Maryland

Event narrative

A 52-year old man was killed by lightning while standing on his deck on Millstream Drive.

Wider weather episode

Several thunderstorms with high winds, large hail, and frequent lightning moved through western and central Maryland between 2 and 6 PM EDT. In Allegany County, a few trees and power lines were downed in Cumberland. Pea sized hail was also reported. In Frederick County, a 52 year old man was killed by lightning while standing on the back porch of his Frederick home. It was not raining at the time he was struck. A 17 year old swimming pool lifeguard at Fort Detrick was injured when lightning struck nearby. He had just evacuated the pool and was walking toward the pool house when he was struck. A 36 year old Frederick County man was also injured by lightning in an unknown location. At least 4 homes across the county were damaged by lightning and 2000 bales of hay were set on fire near Emmitsburg. Wind damage was reported in Park Mills. Marble to quarter sized hail fell just south of Frederick for nearly 10 minutes. In Carroll County, dime sized hail fell in Eldersburg. In Baltimore County, quarter sized hail fell 10 miles northwest of Baltimore. Trees were downed in Owings Mills. In Howard County, quarter sized hail fell in Scaggsville. A home on Talon Court in Clarksville burned to the ground after being struck by lightning. In Montgomery County, trees were uprooted, roofs were damaged, and windows were blown out in Derwood. Many large branches were downed in Layhill where 2.5 inches of rain fell. A tree was downed onto Cashell Road in Olney. In Prince Georges County, penny sized hail fell in Camp Springs. Pea sized hail fell in Bowie and College Park. Trees were downed in Seat Pleasant. Several tree limbs were downed in Hyattsville. A house in Suitland caught fire after being struck by lightning and one person was slightly injured at the scene.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5314395. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.