Lightning — Collier, Florida

1996-08-17 · near Naples Park, Collier, Florida

Wider weather episode

Two persons were killed and six injured by a single lightning strike while picnicing at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Recreation Area. The incident occurred near the height of a thunderstorm when lightning struck a 50-feet high pine tree under which a group of 25 to 30 persons were gathered using a tarpaulin as a roof. Emergency personnel exposed themselves to numerous lightning strikes while rescuing people.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5560944. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.