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Lightning punches 3x3 foot hole in runway at Pittsburgh International Airport

PITTSBURGH — Officials at Pittsburgh International Airport said a routine inspection turned into a severe weather situation as thunderstorms moved in last week. A “thick lightning bolt” struck one of the runways and after the storms moved out, crews found a 3-by-3 foot wide hole that was about 3 inches deep.

According to blueskypit.com, the storms brought 60-mph winds, small hail and heavy rains. The storms were enough to activate the airport’s lightning safety system, which includes halting luggage transport, notifying airlines when lightning moves in and when it clears the area.

Airport officials said the lightning strike was not typical. The runway that was hit was closed off and repaired before it could reopened.