A man in his 20s was struck by lightning while swimming on the New South Wales Central Coast on Saturday, as severe weather battered large parts of the eastern states. The incident came amid a weekend of heavy rain and strong winds in the region.
On Saturday, storms swept across northern and eastern NSW and much of Queensland, bringing rainfall between 30mm and 50mm in the Coffs Harbour area. Winds reached speeds up to 98km/h in Goulburn, causing disruptions and raising safety concerns.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecast dangerous supercell thunderstorms for Sunday across parts of NSW. These storms carry the potential for giant hail and destructive winds, with volatile weather expected to continue over the coming days.
The lightning strike incident was reported while the man was swimming, though further details about his condition have not been confirmed. Emergency services responded to the scene amid ongoing storm activity.
Storms on Saturday also caused localized flooding and power outages in some areas, adding to the challenges faced by residents. The combination of heavy rain and strong winds raised warnings for motorists and outdoor activities.
The supercell thunderstorms predicted for Sunday carry risks beyond heavy rain and hail. Destructive winds could reach damaging speeds, posing threats to infrastructure and public safety. Authorities have urged residents to monitor warnings and take precautions.
This weekend’s weather extends a period of unstable conditions across eastern Australia. Queensland experienced similar storm activity, with widespread rainfall and gusty winds affecting communities.
The man struck by lightning on the Central Coast underscores the dangers posed by extreme weather events. Lightning strikes are rare but can be fatal or cause severe injury, especially in open or water-based environments.
The Bureau of Meteorology continues to issue updates on the unfolding weather situation. Residents are advised to stay indoors where possible and avoid exposed areas during storms.
As severe storms threaten NSW on Sunday, the focus remains on public safety amid unpredictable conditions. The weekend’s incidents illustrate the risks posed by volatile weather patterns to those caught outdoors.
According to The Guardian.
