Nassau man dies instantly by lightning strike, severe weather alert advice ignored

#Nassau, Bahamas – Wednesday July 11, 2018 – Six severe weather warnings were given for the islands of The Bahamas over the course of today alone by the Bahamas Department of Meteorology; it is believed the lightning and thunderstorms warned about in those alerts were responsible for the death of a Nassau man today on Goodman’s Bay Beach.

Shortly after 2 p.m., Royal Bahamas Police Force reported that a man was found unresponsive on Goodman’s Bay Beach.  It was explained that the man had been setting up for an event to be staged on the popular beach park when he was struck by lightning. 

Police were, however, quick to add that their strong suspicion remains unconfirmed; that they were still gathering information in the case.

The Bahamas Department of Meteorology reported that the weather event impacting Andros, Crooked Island, Acklins, Eleuthera, Abaco and New Providence would last until 2 p.m.  The severe weather alerts started from Independence night and continue into tonight; Grand Bahama is currently experiencing the inclement weather system, called ‘the remnants of Hurricane Beryl.’

From the Severe Weather Alert:  “SOME OF THESE THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE SEVERE AT TIMES CAUSING STRONG GUSTY WINDS, DANGEROUS LIGHTNING, HEAVY DOWNPOURS, HAIL AND POSSIBLE WATERSPOUT OR TORNADIC ACTIVITY. LOCALIZE FLOODING IS EXPECTED IN HEAVY DOWNPOURS. BOATERS IN THE WARNING AREAS SHOULD SEEK SAFE HARBOUR AND RESIDENTS IN THE WARNING AREAS SHOULD STAY INDOORS AND AWAY FROM WINDOWS WHEN CONDITIONS WORSEN. RESIDENTS SHOULD NOT SEEK SHELTER UNDER TREES OR IN WATER AS THESE CAN BECOME LIGHTNING CONDUCTORS.”

The lightning bolt is believed to have killed the middle-aged man instantly.