Sustainability Environment

Spectacular lightning strike hits Washington Monument

by Joseph Guzman | Aug. 16, 2021 | Aug. 16, 2021

Story at a glance

  • Video shows a massive lightning bolt strike the obelisk.
  • The strike damaged the monument’s electrical system.
  • The Washington Post reports NPS officials are hoping to resolve the electrical issue and reopen the monument to tourists by Tuesday.

The Washington Monument was struck by a bolt of lightning early Sunday morning as thunderstorms moved across the D.C. area over the weekend.

The National Park Service (NPS) on Monday said the popular tourist site was forced to close as crews repaired damage to its electrical system caused by the lightning strike. 

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The agency tweeted a dramatic video captured by user Travis Nix, which shows the sky light up and a large bolt of lightning come crashing down atop of the monument. 

The monument had just reopened in mid-July after being closed for six months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tourist attraction was forced to shut down twice over the course of the pandemic. 

The Washington Post reports NPS officials are hoping to resolve the electrical issue and reopen the monument to tourists by Tuesday. No other damage to the structure was reported. 

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