Lightning struck the popular pier in St. Augustine, Florida, on Saturday night, leaving three people injured and causing the temporary closure of the facility.

According to local media such as WJXT, the incident occurred while tourists and residents were enjoying the beach and the boardwalk, an iconic spot in the area. The sudden lightning strike unleashed a stampede of beachgoers, surfers, and visitors who fled the scene in search of shelter.

"I was scared; everyone was scared," recounted a witness who witnessed the moment the lightning lit up the sky and spread panic among those on the pier and beach.

Victims and Medical Conditions

The St. Johns County Fire Department reported that three people were injured in the strike. Two of them were rushed to a local hospital: one in critical condition and the other with injuries considered minor. The third victim, although receiving medical attention on site, refused to be taken to a medical facility.

Meanwhile, the pier was immediately closed as a precaution. Authorities inspected the structure to ensure it had not suffered electrical or structural damage. It is expected to reopen Monday after all safety checks are completed.

Authorities urge caution

“Please avoid the pier while emergency operations are underway, and remember: if there is thunder, it is best to take shelter inside,” the Fire Department warned in a Facebook post after the incident.

St. Augustine Beach Mayor Dylan Rumrell also urged residents to take the danger seriously. “We have a major storm ahead and lightning can strike at any moment,” he warned.

The recommendation is based on a basic principle of thunderstorm safety: If you can hear thunder, you are at risk of being struck by lightning, even if the sky appears relatively clear.

A Common Risk in Florida

Florida is known as the “lightning capital” of the United States because of its subtropical climate and frequent thunderstorms, especially in the summer. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), six lightning deaths have been recorded in the United States so far in 2025, in states such as North Carolina, Texas, Mississippi, Florida, and Oklahoma.

The national average has been approximately 20 lightning-related deaths annually over the past decade, although hundreds more suffer permanent injuries.

How to Protect Yourself

The NWS constantly reiterates basic measures to reduce the risk:

In addition, it is recommended to wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap before returning to outdoor activities.