Woman Dies After Being Struck By Lightning In Eastern Iowa

PALO, Iowa (AP) — State officials say a Hiawatha woman died after she was struck by lightning at a recreation area in eastern Iowa.

The state Department of Natural Resources says 42-year-old Rebecca McCarty was camping with family and friends at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area near Palo when she was struck by lightning shortly after 5:30 p.m. Saturday. She was pronounced dead at a Cedar Rapids hospital.

McCarty had been walking between camping spots at the time.

The National Weather Service says heavy rainfall and strong thunderstorms were recorded Saturday across eastern Iowa.

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