Lightning — Chatham, Georgia

2019-08-24 · near Fairway Oaks, Chatham, Georgia

Event narrative

The media and emergency management indicated a fire was initiated by lightning at an apartment complex located along the 5000 Block of Garrard Avenue. The roof and 3rd floor of the 1300 apartment building was primarily involved in the fire, but the entire building was considered a complete loss. Three firefighters had indirect injuries associated with the fire, one from a roof collapse, one from second degree burns and another from third degree burns. All are expected to make a full recovery. Thirty residents were also left without a home.

Wider weather episode

Deep moisture building ahead of an approaching cold front led to several thunderstorms across Southeast Georgia.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (32.0400, -81.1500)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 853015. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.