News Summary
A lightning strike injured fourteen individuals in Tarrant County as they secured a canopy during a severe storm at Benbrook Lake. Twelve people were treated for minor injuries, while two required transportation for non-life-threatening injuries. The storm produced strong winds, hail, and power outages across the region, with warnings issued by the National Weather Service. Residents are urged to take shelter and stay informed about weather alerts as adverse conditions persist.
Tarrant County, Texas – Lightning Strike Injures Fourteen During Storm
On Sunday, a bolt of lightning injured fourteen individuals in Tarrant County while they were attempting to secure a canopy amid a severe storm. The incident took place at Benbrook Lake as the storm swept through the area.
The lightning struck not only the canopy but also a tree and a nearby vehicle, affecting all fourteen people present. Out of those injured, twelve individuals were treated for minor injuries and subsequently released at the scene, while two others required transportation from the site with non-life-threatening injuries.
The storm that caused the incident was accompanied by strong wind gusts and intense lightning, impacting various neighborhoods in the region. In areas such as Arlington, large hailstones fell around 7:30 p.m., adding to the havoc caused by the weather. The storm was reported to be moving eastward at approximately 25 miles per hour at the time.
The National Weather Service (NWS) had previously issued severe thunderstorm warnings for Parker and Tarrant counties, as meteorologists predicted wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph and walnut-sized hail measuring 1.5 inches in diameter. As the storm progressed, it was observed to be situated over Willow Park, moving eastward at a speed of around 20 mph.
Residents were advised to take shelter, as the severe weather posed risks of injury from hail for people and pets outdoors. Alongside the lightning strike that impacted the individuals at Benbrook Lake, reports also indicated significant hail sizes in neighboring regions, with some areas experiencing quarter to baseball-sized hail in counties including Jack, Wise, and Cooke.
The storm’s impact extended beyond Tarrant County, as tree damage and widespread power outages were reported in Grayson County, affecting over 3,000 customers. Earlier in the day, a tornado had touched down in Parker County, prompting a tornado watch that encompassed several North Texas counties, including Dallas, Tarrant, and Ellis. Although the tornado watch was lifted later, its presence underscored the severity of the storm.
As the storm cleared, a 50% chance of more showers and thunderstorms was predicted for Monday, indicating that the region may experience further adverse weather conditions in the coming days.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with severe weather and lightning strikes. The community is encouraged to stay informed about weather alerts and take precautions during storms to ensure their safety.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Storms Cause Flooding in North Texas
Severe Weather Hits North Texas with Tornado Warnings
Severe Weather Hits North Texas with Tornado Warnings
Severe Thunderstorm System Hits Dallas-Fort Worth Area
Severe Thunderstorm Activity Across North Texas
Severe Storms Impact North Texas with Power Outages
Additional Resources
- Fox 4 News: Tarrant County Lightning Injuries
- Star-Telegram: Severe Weather Report
- WFAA: Mansion Fire Possible Lightning Strike
- Dallas News: Severe Weather Updates
- Wikipedia: Lightning
