Man in 20s in Critical Condition After Lightning Strike at Umina Beach

Storms across the state

The strike came as heavy storms hit New South Wales and caused flash flooding in some areas. Yet witnesses said the weather at the beach itself looked calm.

Ed Alvarez, who was at the beach, said storm activity was visible toward Palm Beach and the Gosford area. "But where we were was sunny, clear sky," he said.

"It really came out of nowhere," Alvarez said. "You actually see and hear it all in one hit. My daughter saw it just as she popped her head out of the water."

Several other witnesses described the lightning as appearing completely out of nowhere. One person who was in the water at the time wrote on social media: "It was incredibly loud."

The same witness said storms had developed around Palm Beach and Gosford, while the skies over the beach were clear and the sun was shining.

Resuscitation efforts

The witness said first responders performed CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, for quite some time. "I hope the young person makes a full recovery," they wrote.

Central Coast Councillor Jared Wright issued a statement after the incident. "My thoughts are with the person injured in the lightning strike at Umina Beach and their family during what must be an incredibly frightening time," he said.

Wright also thanked NSW Ambulance, police and other emergency services for their response. He singled out those working to get the patient safely to Gosford Hospital.

Authorities have not released the man's name. NSW Ambulance had not publicly updated his condition when last reported.