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Perth Storm Unleashes 10,000 Lightning Strikes, Injures Three and Disrupts Commute

Experts say indirect electrical effects can injure people nearby, urging swift shelter indoors at the first sign of thunder.

Overview

  • Michael Day, 78, was struck in Hamersley and remains in a serious but stable condition at Fiona Stanley Hospital, where his family said the strike killed their dog, Messi.
  • Two teenagers at Eastern Hills Senior High in Mount Helena were assessed in hospital and discharged after an event linked to a strike on nearby sports equipment.
  • The Bureau of Meteorology recorded about 10,000 strikes across the metropolitan area as the system brought Perth its first notable rain since December.
  • Lightning affected train signalling on the Mandurah, Yanchep and Thornlie–Cockburn lines, with services resuming after delays, and nearly 3,000 homes temporarily lost power.
  • Lightning specialist Grant Kirkby highlighted ground potential rise and upward streamers as likely mechanisms for the injuries and advised avoiding trees and umbrellas during storms.