Hurricane Tracker Updates Show Lightning Strike Kills 20-Year-Old in Florida
A 20-year-old Michigan man was killed in an apparent lightning strike in Central Florida on Tuesday evening while participating in the Disney College Program, as severe thunderstorms prompted warnings across parts of Florida and New Mexico amid a broader pattern of extreme summer heat across the United States. Hurricane tracker coverage highlights these connected weather developments unfolding in real time.
Lightning Strike Kills Disney College Program Participant
Matthew Eric Jenkins was found unresponsive on a walking path behind a hotel in Celebration, Florida, after lightning struck nearby around 6:25 p.m. [3] Deputies were called to the path in the 700 block of Bloom Street at about 6:25 p.m. [3] Investigators said lightning had struck nearby. [3] Spyro Betz, who had been walking nearby before reaching his car, told FOX35 Orlando he heard a powerful crack of lightning. [3] "I heard the big crack of lightning that was like right overhead," Betz said. [3] He initially thought it had struck a building. [3] "When I heard the lightning strike I expected it hit the building or something like that or hit the hotel, I didn't expect it to hit a person," Betz said. [3] Felipe Costa told WESH-TV he ran toward the path after hearing the lightning and found Jenkins on the ground. [3] "As soon as I heard that, I started running and I came over here [where it happened]. That's when I saw the man," Costa said. [3] A woman joined Costa and began performing CPR while they waited for first responders. [3] The sheriff's office said detectives are awaiting the medical examiner's determination of Jenkins' official cause of death. [3] Jenkins was taken to AdventHealth Celebration, where he was pronounced dead. [3] Jenkins' father told the outlet that the family was grateful to everyone who tried to help his son. [3] Matthew Eric Jenkins, of Shelby Township, Michigan, was found unresponsive Tuesday evening on a walking path behind a hotel in Celebration, according to the Osceola County Sheriff's Office. [3] Jenkins' father told WESH-TV his son had moved to Central Florida last week to begin the internship program at Walt Disney World. [3]
Severe Thunderstorm Warning in Osceola County
A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for north central Osceola County, Florida, with hazards of 60 mph wind gusts and penny-size hail until 5:45 p.m. EDT. [2] The National Weather Service in Melbourne has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for north central Osceola County in east central Florida until 5:45 p.m. EDT. [2] At 5:15 p.m. EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 7 miles southwest of Harmony, or 9 miles south of Saint Cloud, moving north at 10 mph. [2] Hazard includes 60 mph wind gusts and penny size hail. [2] Source is radar indicated. [2] Impact includes expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees. [2] Locations impacted include Saint Cloud, West Lak. [2]
Lightning strike kills 20-year-old Disney College Program participant in Florida thunderstorm. — Source: france24
Flash Flood Warning Issued in New Mexico
A flash flood warning was issued for north central Otero County, New Mexico, after 1.5 to 2 inches of rain caused ongoing flash flooding along US-70 near Mescalero until 5:15 p.m. MDT. [1] The National Weather Service in El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa has issued a Flash Flood Warning for north central Otero County in south central New Mexico until 5:15 p.m. MDT. [1] At 3:17 p.m. MDT, emergency management reported thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. [1] Between 1.5 and 2 inches of rain have fallen. [1] Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. [1] Hazard includes life threatening flash flooding along US-70 near Mescalero. [1] Thunderstorms producing flash flood. [1]
Record Global Heat and U.S. Summer Extremes
August was the hottest month ever recorded globally, capping the hottest summer on record for the contiguous United States amid an emerging strong El Nino. [4] Europe's climate monitor said Thursday that August was the hottest month ever recorded around the world and warned of worse to come, as an unprecedented El Nino pattern grows stronger. [4] Global temperatures over land and sea soared to all-time highs in August and capped an extreme summer of heatwaves and wildfires that ranked the hottest on record for western Europe and the contiguous United States. [4]
California Heat Wave Triggers Power Outages
A dangerous heat wave with triple-digit temperatures and high humidity caused power outages in Los Angeles and Orange counties, California, prompting conservation requests from utilities. [5] California is dealing with another dangerous heat wave, with triple-digit temperatures and unusually high humidity putting extra pressure on power systems across Southern California. [5] Los Angeles and Orange counties have reported power outages as residents rely heavily on air conditioning to stay cool. [5] LADWP has urged Los Angeles customers to conserve electricity through 8pm Thursday to reduce strain on local equipment. [5] Live outage data is changing throughout the day, with thousands of customers currently without power across California. [5] The latest figures show outages in Los Angeles and Orange counties, while PG&E customers in other parts of the state can check the utility’s separate outage map. [5] LADWP said Thursday that extreme heat and humidity were putting added pressure on its local distribution system. [5] The utility asked customers to conserve energy where possible through 8pm, while continuing to stay safe in the heat. [5] The request is aimed at reducing stress on local equipment and lowering the risk of additional outages. [5] The latest PowerOutage.us data shows outages are being reported across several California utilities. [5] Los Angeles County currently has thousands of customers without power, with LADWP, Southern California Edison and other local utilities reporting outages. [5] Orange County is also among the California counties with active outages. [5]
Broader Severe Weather Patterns
The lightning strike, severe thunderstorm warning, flash flood warning, record global heat, and California heat wave connect as part of active severe weather and record heat across the United States. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] These events occurred amid warnings for north central Osceola County and north central Otero County while August marked the hottest month recorded globally. [1] [2] [4] Power outages in Los Angeles and Orange counties added to the impacts from the dangerous heat wave with triple-digit temperatures. [5] Investigators continue to await the medical examiner's determination following the incident in Celebration, Florida. [3]
