Jet skier dies after lightning strike in Florida as storms impact Southeast
A jet skier has died after being struck by lightning near Fort De Soto, Florida, as ongoing storms continue to bring severe weather threats to the Southeast.
THE TAKEAWAY
FORT DE SOTO, Fla.- A jet skier has died after being struck by lightning near Fort De Soto, Florida, as ongoing storms continue to bring severe weather threats to the Southeast.
According to James Miller, public information officer for the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, the incident occurred around 6:35 p.m. on Saturday when an adult male jet skier was struck by lightning. He was transferred to a hospital for treatment.
Authorities later confirmed he did not survive.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), lightning typically occurs more often during the summer months.
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"Lightning kills about 20 people in the United States each year, and hundreds more are severely injured," the agency said.
According to the FOX Forecast Center, the stormy weather pattern that started early last week is carrying into this week, bringing ongoing threats of heavy downpours, gusty winds and flood threats.
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By Monday, at least 1 to 3 inches of rain will likely have fallen for most of the Southeast.
Additionally, lightning remains a severe hazard for anyone outdoors. The National Weather Service urges people to take shelter indoors whenever thunder is heard, as lightning can strike well outside the immediate area of heavy rainfall.
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