Massive Lightning Bolt Over Washington’s North Sound Seen Dozens of Miles Away as Multiple Airports Confirm Strike
WASHINGTON — A single, intense lightning strike over the North Sound just before 6 p.m. Wednesday lit up skies across the Puget Sound region, with the bolt reportedly visible from dozens of miles away.
Despite limited snowfall in the area, the lightning made a dramatic impact, catching the attention of airport weather observers across western Washington.
Lightning Strike Observed Across Multiple Airports
Weather observers at several airport towers reported seeing the lightning in the distance, using standard observation codes to document the event.
In aviation weather reports, “LTG DSNT” — short for “lightning observed in the distance” — appeared repeatedly in the remarks section from multiple locations .
Airports that reported the lightning include:
- Arlington Airport (KAWO)
- Everett Paine Field (KPAE)
- Seattle Boeing Field (KBFI)
- Sea-Tac Airport (KSEA)
- Renton Airport (KRNT)
- Tacoma Narrows Airport (KTIW)
- Bremerton Airport (KPWT)
The widespread reporting from both Arlington in the north and Tacoma Narrows in the south highlights just how far the lightning flash was visible.
Radar and Observation Reports Confirm Intensity
A radar image from the region shows scattered precipitation over portions of the North Sound around the time of the strike, though snowfall amounts were minimal.
The 6 p.m. observation reports reinforce that the lightning was strong enough to be detected and logged by multiple aviation stations, indicating a powerful and visually striking event.
Meteorologists note that lightning during cold-season systems can still occur when atmospheric instability is present, even if snowfall totals remain low.
Dozens of Miles of Visibility
For a lightning bolt to be observed from such a wide range of airport locations suggests it was particularly bright and intense. Observers noted that it was one of the louder and more pronounced strikes of the evening, standing out in an otherwise relatively modest precipitation event. While no widespread damage has been reported, the event serves as a reminder that lightning can accompany winter weather systems.
Staying Alert During Winter Storm Systems
Even when snowfall is light, embedded thunderstorms can develop and produce lightning.
Residents are encouraged to remain weather-aware, especially during evening storm systems when visibility can be limited and thunder or lightning may catch people off guard. Weather conditions across western Washington will continue to evolve as systems move through the region.
If you witnessed Wednesday evening’s lightning strike across the North Sound, share your photos or experience with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com. Community reports help paint a clearer picture of unusual weather events.
