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Rare Lightning Strike Kills Man On California Beach

Pedestrians and beachgoers stand on the shore near Venice Beach as lifeguards, right, bring in a swimmer rescued from the water after a lightening strike Sunday July 27, 2014 in Los Angeles. (Steve Christensen/AP)
Pedestrians and beachgoers stand on the shore near Venice Beach as lifeguards, right, bring in a swimmer rescued from the water after a lightening strike Sunday July 27, 2014 in Los Angeles. (Steve Christensen/AP)

July is the most dangerous time of year for lightning in the United States. Yesterday, a rare, intense lightning storm struck Venice Beach in Southern California. One person was killed and nine others were taken to hospitals, where one was listed in critical condition.

Witnesses say the storm was fierce and came out of nowhere. Earlier in the day, lightening struck a 57-year-old man on a golf course off the coast on Santa Catalina Island. He was listed in stable condition.

Here & Now’s Robin Young talks to John Jensenius, a lightning safety specialist with the National Weather Service.

Guest

  • John Jensenius, lightning safety specialist with the National Weather Service.

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