Lightning — Waukesha, Wisconsin

2019-09-12 to 2019-09-13 · near Downtown Waukesha, Waukesha, Wisconsin

Event narrative

Approximately 100 people were displaced when an apartment building was struck by lightning causing a fire. The 42 unit apartment building was a total loss. One resident was rescued from the third floor and one fireman was injured. Two residents were also injured.

Wider weather episode

A strong squall line with torrential rainfall moved east along and north of warm front over southern WI. A quick 2.5-4.5 inches of rain resulted in the flash flooding of creeks, small rivers, and urban and rural roadways. Some trees were downed by straight-line winds. A 42 unit apartment building burned down in Waukesha after being struck by lightning.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (43.0219, -88.1950)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 854624. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.