Lightning — Pinellas, Florida

2019-07-21 · near Clearwater Beach, Pinellas, Florida

Event narrative

Numerous local TV stations reported 8 injuries due to a lightning strike along Clearwater Beach. One man in his 30s suffered a direct strike and went into cardiac arrest. He was sent to the hospital in critical condition where he ultimately died three days later. Three others were taken to the same hospital. A fifth was taken to Tampa General Hospital to be treated for burns. The remaining three opted not to go to the hospital.

Wider weather episode

Afternoon thunderstorms produced localized gusty winds across Citrus County knocking down trees in the area. Additionally, 8 people on Clearwater Beach were struck by lightning by a developing thunderstorm.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (27.9800, -82.8300)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 829416. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.