Pennsylvania forecaster races inside after lightning strike near station

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A Pennsylvania meteorologist was forced indoors during an outdoor weather report when lightning struck less than a quarter mile from the station’s studios.

John Hickey, who works at WNEP in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, was on the air from the station’s outdoor weather studio, nicknamed “The Backyard,” Aug. 12, 2021.

He had an umbrella and the anchors, who were inside the station, noted severe weather was passing through the area when tossing to him.

Hickey was off camera when a loud sound can be heard, which he wisely took as a sign to move inside. Still off camera, viewers could hear a door opening, which was Hickey re-entering the building.

He returned to air from inside the station’s weather office, which serves as an alternate studio during severe weather and updates.

WNEP typically broadcasts from outdoors even during rain, snow or other inclement weather, but won’t use the space in some situations, including high wind, hail or severe thunderstorms.