Two People Struck by Lightning in Arlington Friday Night

Two people were struck by lightning Friday night on Highland Street in Arlington. Lt. Gregg Karl, a spokesman for the Arlington County Fire Department said the two people were struck around 8:30 p.m. Friday as heavy thunderstorms swept through Northern Virginia. It’s unknown where the two people were going or why they were outside during the heavy thunderstorms.

Karl could not confirm the names of the two people struck by lightning, but said they were taken to the Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C.

A hospital spokeswoman could not confirm the conditions of the two lightning strike victims.

Heather Sheffield, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said there is a chance of thunderstorms Sunday.

According to the National Lightning Safety Institute, between 1990 and 2003, 19 people in Virginia were killed by lightning strikes. According to the National Weather Service, you should follow these steps to avoid being struck by lightning:

• Monitor the weather. Look for signs of a developing thunderstorm such as darkening skies, flashes of lightning or increasing wind.
• Get to a safe place. If you hear thunder, even a distant rumble, immediately go to a safe place. Fully enclosed buildings with wiring and plumbing provide the best protection. Don’t go to a shed, picnic shelter, tent or covered porches. If you’re not near a sturdy building, get into a hard-topped metal vehicle and close all the windows. Stay inside until 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder.
• If you hear thunder, do not use a landline telephone with a cord. Cordless telephones and cell phones are safe to use.
• Keep away from electrical equipment and wiring.
• Water pipes conduct electricity. Don’t take a bath or shower or use other plumbing during a storm.