Severe thunderstorms on Sunday affected much of southern New England and especially parts of Rhode Island, causing minor flooding and knocking down trees. Police also reported hail the size of golf balls in areas. The strong storms left about 1,200 National Grid customers without power due to outages Sunday evening. However, more than half had their power restored by Monday morning.
In addition, several children were apparently struck indirectly by lightening Sunday evening while playing outside. According to WBZ-TV, the three-ages 5, 13, and 14-were hospitalized at nearby Hasbro Children’s Hospital after being shocked just after 4 p.m. The three said they felt a “tingling sensation,” which is a sign of an indirect hit, according to police.
The three were treated and released and are said to be in good condition.
3 RI children hospitalized after lightning strikes, Boston.com, July 2, 2012
Children suffer minor injuries in RI lightning strike, WHDH.com, July 2, 2012