Lightning — Washtenaw, Michigan

2002-09-19 · near Ann Arbor, Washtenaw, Michigan

Event narrative

Three men were installing a roof at an apartment complex under construction when they were struck by lightning. Two of the men were injured, while the third was later pronounced dead.

Wider weather episode

An upper air disturbance move across Lower Michigan during the late afternoon and evening hours on the 19th. This disturbance combined with unseasonably warm and humid air across Lower Michigan to trigger widespread thunderstorms. These thunderstorms initially moved into the Saginaw Valley during the late afternoon hours. During the evening, another round of thunderstorms moved from south to north across the region. Some of these thunderstorms were severe with damaging wind gusts.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5317664. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.