Suburban Hospital in Bethesda is functioning normally as of Monday afternoon after nearby lightning Sunday caused a power surge. It disrupted equipment at the hospital, according to fire and rescue officials.
The power surge Sunday night knocked out CT and MRI scanning, as well as air conditioning, according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer.
It triggered a “Code Black,” which is issued for significant disruption within the hospital’s infrastructure that impacts care, according to Piringer.
Update~Suburban Hospital back up and functioning normally. https://t.co/yJSjqCokyS
— Pazos@mcfrsPIO (@DavidPazos15) August 18, 2025
(~9p) Suburban Hospital, Bethesda, @MontgomeryCoMD lightning strike(s) in area, Power surge knocked the AC, CT & MRI scan out. Code Black (Mini Disaster) is triggered by significant, unexpected disruption within the hospital's physical plant, impacting its ability to provide care
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) August 18, 2025
