A lightning strike at Grandfather Mountain on Friday, August 13th, affected seven people. A sudden storm generated a lightning strike in the McRae Peak area of the State Park. Apparently four people were injured by the strike. All seven who were nearby were able to walk out from the back country of the park. One person was transported to the hospital after walking back to the trailhead. A team of individuals from Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation assisted the group, along with Linville Central Rescue Squad, Linville Fire Department, Banner Elk Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Avery EMS and Crossnore Fire Department.
