Lightning — Barrow, Georgia

2012-07-26 · near Winder, Barrow, Georgia

Event narrative

A historic church, built in 1904, was completely destroyed by a lightning strike and resulting fire at 71 West Candler Street. The church was the oldest in Winder and had recently undergone over $700,000 worth of restoration and renovation, with only $10,000 left of repairs to go before it was fully restored. As it was, the historic church was worth millions. Firefighters were able to contain the blaze to the church alone, although other homes along the block were evacuated as a precaution.

Wider weather episode

A mid-level ridge remained in place over the Southern Plains, with weak northwest flow continuing across the Southeast. Left over outflow boundaries from convection on the 25th helped to focus development on the 26th. Numerous thunderstorms developed, and several became severe with wind damage reported. Damage was reported from lightning strikes as well.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (33.9900, -83.7200)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 398412. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.