Lightning in De Soto County, Florida

Lightning June 23, 2008 · De Soto County, Florida

Death

Injuries

Where the report was made, with tornadoes recorded within 15 miles over the years.

What the National Weather Service wrote

At 4:30 p.m. EDT on June 23, 2008, Employee #1 was working at a ranch, clipping dead limbs off of a palm tree, when a heavy rain and lightning approached. Employee #1 and two coworkers sought refuge under a large 30-ft oak tree. While under the tree, Employee #1 leaned up against the tree. When lightning struck the tree, Employee #1 sustained burns to his hands and feet and was killed. Both coworkers were airlifted to Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Florida.

The wider storm

Surface high pressure remained in place across southern Florida with west to southwest winds aloft. Afternoon sea breezes developed each day and thunderstorms formed along sea breeze and outflow boundaries. On June 23, one person was killed and 2 people were injured by lightning while seeking refuge under a tree in DeSoto County.

Began near Nocatee (27.1160, -81.8340).

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event 752432. Narratives are written by the National Weather Service forecast office that issued the report.

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