Severe Storm in Mecca, Saudi Arabia November 11, 2015

Mecca, Saudi Arabia Severe Storm Event When: September 11, 2015 What: Thunderstorms, heavy rain & high winds caused a crane crash tragedy that killed 107 people and wounded 238 Where: Mecca, Saudi Arabia: Grand Mosque, largest mosque in the world

Cloud-to-Ground Initial Detection First CG strikes detected in the region at 12:04pm UTC, ~70 km from city center ~2.5 hours before the crane tragedy occurred at 2:45pm UTC

Total Lightning Detection Major lightning activity developing SE of Mecca by 12:45pm UTC

Total Lightning Detection First lightning activity detected near city center at 2:10pm UTC, ~35 min before tragedy

Total Lightning Detection Lightning activity in city center and around Mecca at time of crane tragedy, 2:45pm UTC

Tragedy The crane fell into the side of the mosque and through the roof during preparation for a Friday prayer session, one of the busiest times of the week

Tragedy The crane fell into the side of the mosque and through the roof during preparation for a Friday prayer session, one of the busiest times of the week

Total Lightning Network Animation

Conclusion Earth Networks first detected lightning activity in the region ~2.5 hours before the tragic event and ~70 km away from the city center. Prior to and at the time of the tragedy, Earth Networks had detected both CG and IC lightning activity in the city center.