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.
America is changing faster than ever! Add Changing America to your Facebook or Twitter feed to stay on top of the news.
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.
READ MORE STORIES FROM CHANGING AMERICA
AMAZING VIDEO CAPTURES RARELY SEEN YELLOW WHALES
VIDEO CATCHES TERRIFYING MOMENT A COLORADO HIKER WAS CHARGED BY ENORMOUS BULL MOOSE
WISCONSIN FAMILY CATCHES STRANGE, ‘SUPER RARE’ FISH IN FLORIDA WATERS
YELLOWSTONE TOURIST FACING FEDERAL CHARGES FOR GRIZZLY BEAR PHOTO
RARE ATTACK BY BLACK BEAR LEAVES 26-YEAR-OLD WOMAN DEAD
WAVES OF SHARKS SWIM INTO FLORIDA CANAL TO FLEE TOXIC RED TIDE
Published on Aug 16,2021