By Ayla Ozturk
Thursday, January 5, 2023, the electrical panel of Redwood High School [RHS]’s music building was indirectly struck by lightning. The panel was replaced the next day.
On Friday, January 6, 2023, the RHS music building’s damaged electrical panel was replaced after being indirectly struck by lightning.
The State of California has been experiencing the effects of several atmospheric rivers. Severe weather events have been occurring statewide.
Visalia has faced thunderstorms, heavy rain, and flood warnings.
Lightning is a large spark of electricity between two electrically charged places, one in the atmosphere and the other in the air, the ground, or other clouds.
While not directly struck, the electric charge from a strike nearby caused power surges in the music building’s panel.
Visalia Unified School District [VUSD] repair teams replaced the damaged electrical panel in the music building and trimmed the damaged trees and fallen tree limbs.
Principal Dr. Amanda Richard says, “I am thankful students were not on campus, as the lightning strike was intense, and I would have been devastated if anyone would have been injured.”
Ayla Ozturk
Ayla Ozturk, class of 2024, is a fourth-year journalism student passionate about leading the News section. She is dedicated to informing students and amplifying their voices through Government and Politics writing.
You can reach her at ayla.oz3769@vusd.us.
Tags: atmospheric river, ayla ozturk, california, california weather, lightning strike, news, rangers, Redwood, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood journalism, redwood rangers, rhs, thunderstorm, visalia ca, visalia news
