Lightning — District of Columbia, District of Columbia

1998-06-13 · near Northeast Portion, District of Columbia, District of Columbia

Wider weather episode

A vigorous upper-level disturbance acted upon increasingly warm and humid air near the surface to produce a squall line of strong to severe thunderstorms west of the metropolitan region during the early afternoon. This line moved rapidly east, passing through the District of Columbia and surrounding communities before 1500EST. As the line crossed Northwest, numerous trees and large limbs fell, blocking several roads.The day will be remembered for a devastating lightning strike at RFK stadium, where a crowd of 66,000 had gathered for the Tibetan Freedom Concert. Though ample warning was provided to stadium officials, there was no place for those standing away from the protected portion of the venue to seek shelter. Lightning struck ahead of the storm cell, injuring 11 persons. Four of the injured were taken to DC General Hospital; one was critically injured, another was initially in fair condition, and two other were in good condition. The other seven persons were treated at the scene. The concert was suspended immediately after the lightning strike.Potomac Electric Power Co. reported over 100 customers were without power during the peak of the storm.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5658565. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.