The Washington Monument is closed today (Monday, August 16) after a bolt of lightning struck it on Sunday morning, causing some damage to the structure.
The National Park Service for the National Mall tweeted out: "The Washington Monument will be closed today as we repair damage to the electronic access system caused by Sunday morning’s lightning strike" along with a video clip of the dramatic event.
The Washington Monument has two lightning rods installed at the top of it to try and absorb most of the energy from a direct strike. It is considered rare for the Monument to be struck directly but it has happened a number of times over the years.
Chances for thunderstorms continue for most of the week.