Rain and Lightning threatens Discovery Launch

Rain and clouds over the Kennedy Space Center during the 11PM EDT hour is the only concern as the countdown moves toward launch in two hours. The seven member crew have fully boarded and the side hatch of space shuttle Discovery was closed at 11:34 pm.

Cape weather continues to monitor lightning south of KSC at about 10 to 15 miles out. KSC reports that the shuttle weather officer Kathy Winters reported a lightning strike six miles east of Discovery's launch pad.

At 11:53 pm, KSC went under a Phase Two lightning advisory until further notice.

New updates as the countdown moves forward tonight.