Lightning Strike Causes Washington Monument To Close For Repairs

WASHINGTON, DC — The Washington Monument closed Monday for repairs after lightning hit the monument during a fierce thunderstorm early Sunday morning.

“The Washington Monument will be closed today as we repair damage to the electronic access system caused by Sunday morning’s lightning strike,” the National Park Service said Monday.

The lightning strike was captured on a video by Travis Nix, a Georgetown University law student. His post on Twitter shows lightning hitting the top of the monument on the National Mall.

Heavy thunderstorms moved through the D.C. area over the weekend, with lightning and heavy rain Sunday morning. More severe weather is in the forecast, with the National Weather Service issuing a flash flood watch for parts of the D.C. area on Monday.

The Washington Monument reopened to the public in June, after being closed for six months due to COVID-19 safety measures.