The Washington Monument still needs work done, after a lightning strike during Sunday’s thunderstorms caused damage that led to its closure.
“Repairs to the electrical access system are ongoing,” the National Park Service tweeted when announcing the monument would still be closed to the public on Tuesday. NPS originally announced its closure Monday to carry out repairs.
Systems affected by the lightning bolt include those that allow people to access the monument, as well as those that call and send the elevator. There was no damage to the structure or elevator itself.
National Park Service Spokesperson Mike Litterst told WTOP the monument would remain closed at least through Wednesday as they await the delivery of the necessary replacement parts. He said there was no set date for reopening, but the park service hoped to have a better idea by the end of the day Wednesday.
As D.C.’s tallest structure, it is not uncommon for the Washington Monument to be struck by lightning.
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected again Tuesday afternoon while the region deals with the remnants of Tropical Storm Fred, which has been downgraded to a tropical depression.
WTOP’s Zeke Hartner contributed to this report.
