Another home hit by lightning

[NJblue]

There's another home in the Sunset Point area (Pelican Path) that is on fire and most likely hit by lightning. There are tons of fire trucks there pouring water on it. I hope everyone is OK. This is getting scary.

[Mintjulep]

We're sitting on our lanai in Virginia Trace and we were afraid another house got hit. We can smell the smoke and heard all the emergency vehicles going by.

[l2ridehd]

We were on our Lanai in Sunset Pointe watching the storm and saw a flash and heard the bang at the same second. I knew that strike was really close, 1000 feet or so away. Which is about how far Pelican Path is away.

[Jerseygirl08]

That was the worst storm I have seen since I moved here in April. We were in Crispers and literally could not leave. Heard emergency vehicles speeding by as the torrential rains came down. I was actually worried about whether or not my house would be standing when I arrived home; it is!!! Scarey stuff.

[KathieI]

Yes, I smelled the smoke and saw the fire engines while driving south on Buena Vista after Crispers. I hope SWRINFLA's house is okay, he just told me he lived in Sunset Pointe. Let us know Steve!!

[chelsea24]

We have friends down that way. Please let us know if you hear anything more. Thanks.

[Pocadot55]

I hope no one was hurt. This was a really bad storm. We were on our way home from Leesburg and had to pull over into a parking lot for awhile since we couldn't see the taillights ahead of us. We waited for 15 min. or so and started out again and it was a very difficult drive home. Lightning was striking very close all around us and the wind was blowing the rain all around. The Villages radio said that two storms met over The Villages--one from the south and one from the north.

[Peggy D]

Anyone hear anything going on in Hadley? I saw fire trucks going through Hadleys gate
as I was coming home from Crispers.

That storm was BAD

[conn8757]

We were stuck in Home Depot for over an hour due to lightning. They lost power several times. On the way home we noticed street lights were out in Mallory but saw power truck working there when we came back that way about an hour later. I didn't see any damage as we drove through Mallory to Amelia.

[KathieI]

It was on the television news this morning, Channel 9. There were 20 strikes in Central FL yesterday. The house that was hit yesterday was on Pelican Path and was totally destroyed. The people weren't in their house and the neighbors called them in Georgia to tell them. Very sad and very scary.

[Cassie325]

Heard from a friend that lives on Pelican that the home owners were not home...up north somewhere....but their neighbors called 911 and called them on their cell. It doesn't sound like anyone in the area was hurt....but the damage to the home was horrible.

Has anyone invested in lightening rod protectors? Not sure if that is what they are called....

I know they run about $1800...

[JeanneBeannie]

That is so very sad, I feel so sorry for the home owners. So glad that no one was hurt.
Cassie....Tony just posted a great site regarding protection from lightening, but I dont know how to post it here...sorry :shrug: (still learning hehe).
Its under "lightening strike on 466" I think?

[tony]

Click this (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23916) to read the post by the non-commercial Study Group on Lightning in
Contractors and Services. The group said it is "not affiliated with any firm or
organization that designs, installs or markets any product or service for the
lightning industry," and is intended "to help Villagers make informed decisions
of lightning protection."

[rshoffer]

We live right across the street from the water tower in Duval.... I hope it works like a giant lightening rod.

[zcaveman]

Heard from a friend that lives on Pelican that the home owners were not home...up north somewhere....but their neighbors called 911 and called them on their cell. It doesn't sound like anyone in the area was hurt....but the damage to the home was horrible.

Has anyone invested in lightening rod protectors? Not sure if that is what they are called....

I know they run about $1800...

There is a post about Lightening protection systems that discuss the costs. It looks like $1800 is a mean. It sounds like you have to be careful as to who you hire to install the lightening protection system.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23832

[mac9]

I noticed that the last 3 houses struck by lightning were stucco. Could there be a reason that for that? Our house was hit by the tornado in '07 and sustained some damage (we have a frame house). The only house in our neighborhood that had to be razed was stucco. Coincidence?

[swrinfla]

It was definitely scary turning into Pelican Path and seeing all sorts of fire trucks, rescue vehicles, Community Watch vehicles, even a Sumter County Sheriff's car. I was allowed to pass the road block since my street was the next one.

But, the proximity of this strike is unnerving! So much closer than the one from last week!

And, today's mid-day storm was nearly as fierce as yesterday's. There were all sorts of siren noises, but I never saw smoke, so maybe we lucked out, today?

l2ridehd: you must be practically next door to me if you're that close to yesterday's hit. I'm on Fenimore Lane.

SWR
:beer3:

[Peggy D]

Did this house also have gas lines in the attic?

[JeanneBeannie]

I noticed that the last 3 houses struck by lightning were stucco. Could there be a reason that for that? Our house was hit by the tornado in '07 and sustained some damage (we have a frame house). The only house in our neighborhood that had to be razed was stucco. Coincidence?

That's very interesting, I wonder why? :shrug: I have found myself mainly looking at the stucco homes because I read they were safer in a hurricane and plus I love the look too, they are all beautiful homes in TV.
However....if this is true I sure would like to know if anyone knows before buy a home. I can easily give up the look of stucco for safety.
I am not a big fan of lightening :22yikes::22yikes:, I am sure no one really is but I will take the lightening if I have to rather than freeze all winter :cold:.

[Talk Host]

Did this house also have gas lines in the attic?


I can't imagine for a minute how stucco, which is a concrete base, would attract lightening. I'm guessing that since the majority of homes in TV are stucco, they were hit because of sheer volume.

[JeanneBeannie]

Thank you Host, I couldnt imagine it either, since it is concrete I thought it would be the safest :shrug:. Either way I wont let that deter me from buying stucco....I will use the site you posted yesterday when I get down there and buy a home. Thanks again. :)

[paulandjean]

the last three homes also back up to golf course

[NJblue]

the last three homes also back up to golf course
This is not completely true. The house last week backs up to Canal.

[graciegirl]

Now why would the "empty space" behind the house have some bearing on a lightning strike??. I remember vaguely from high school about positive and negative charges. And it appears trees are struck more than homes and we really don't have that many taller than houses trees in The Villages. Were the last three homes in TV struck by lightning on "higher ground"???

The lightning which is positive is drawn to the negative which is earth and should strike the tallest object. So being on the hill in Hadley isn't so good, right? Does it help us that the Odell rec center behind us is taller??

I want to hear how this all works. I wish I hadn't talked so much in science class, but Martha Washington sat next to me and it was mostly her fault.

[graciegirl]

And it has already been stated that we live in the lightning capital of the U.S. Below quoted from Wikipedia on lightning strikes.


"Approximately 70% of lightning occurs in the tropics where the majority of thunderstorms occur. The place where lightning occurs most often is near the small village of Kifuka in the mountains of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the elevation is around 975 metres (3,200 ft). On average this region receives 158 lightning strikes per square kilometre (approx. 0.4 square mile) a year.[91] Singapore has one of the highest rates of lightning activity in the world.[92] The city of Teresina in northern Brazil has the third-highest rate of occurrences of lightning strikes in the world. The surrounding region is referred to as the Chapada do Corisco ("Flash Lightning Flatlands").[93] In the US, Central Florida sees more lightning than any other area. For example, in what is called "Lightning Alley", an area from Tampa, to Orlando, there are as many as 50 strikes per square mile (about 20 per km²) per year.[94][95] The Empire State Building is struck by lightning on average 23 times each year, and was once struck 8 times in 24 minutes.[96]"

[chelsea24]

Did this house also have gas lines in the attic?


I believe that all three homes have the gas lines in the attic. I can't see how stucco or frame would be the problem. I've seen two of the homes right after it happened and have heard they get so out of hand because the gas lines in the attics explode.

IMHO this is a real construction flaw. I've never heard of gas lines being in an attic. I was sorry when we first moved here that only electric was being offered, but now I guess I'm glad. :shrug:

My greater fear now is that right behind us is an huge open field. We've seen a couple of strikes there and that's right across the street. Also, what about the strike that someone wrote about on 466A? That left just a hole in the ground with landscaping strewn everywhere. I don't know if a tree was part of the equation, they didn't mention that.

[duffysmom]

The house on Pelican Path that was hit has very large oak tree right behind it. Actually towers over the roof.:shrug::shrug:

[Peggy D]

Gas or electric was not an issue when moving here. I could have cared less. But now knowing that gas lines are in the attic, I'm sure glad our house is all electric.

The thought of putting them up there, with lightening strikes being a common problem--who would ever allow that?

[swrinfla]

Without really knowing much of anything about this whole subject, please bear in mind that our houses are all built on a concrete slab. A few, or maybe some, but not all, of our utilities are provided through that slab. If you've got gas, chances are the lines are in the ceiling. If you've got electric, chances are the lines are in the ceiling!

I'm still more worried about the fact that our roof structures are wood, and inevitably very, very dry wood!

I am personally going to try to discuss the situation with Mike Tucker. If there's anyone in TV who'll have a straight answer, it is Mike.

SWR
:beer3:

[F16 1UB]

A house in Hadley on Bostic was struck in May. Blew a 2 ft hole in the roof. Fried the cable, some appliances, and oh yeah, HE was in the shower holding on to the bar. Took him to the hospital. His defibrillator was going nuts. He's OK as far as the strike went but when he fell it aggravated his new hip. Still walks with a walker. Right after that the lightning rod sales went ballistic in around him. Total electric sided home.

[KathieI]

I was at Colony Cottage Rec Center today and they told us that they were hit by lightening also the other day. I think there was a problem with their phones still not working. Hell, I'm moving back to earthquake country :crap2::crap2:!!!

[deano_hoosier]

WSJ article this morning noted that a 50-mile band across central Florida emanating east from Tampa "took the cake" for lightning strikes/sq mile in the US! No wonder The Villages is getting struck. I'm looking for a tinfoil hat to blast out in style!

[bobfl]

When I lived in Southwest Florida I often saw them building stucco homes. They would install steel rods down through the openings in the cinder blocks after the walls were put up to correct level. They then would pour concrete down through the openings to fill them up. While the concrete was soft they then put steel T shaped brackets in to eventually wrap around the joists. I never thought about it before but I wonder if all that metal would cause lightning attraction?

[chuckinca]

When I lived in Southwest Florida I often saw them building stucco homes. They would install steel rods down through the openings in the cinder blocks after the walls were put up to correct level. They then would pour concrete down through the openings to fill them up. While the concrete was soft they then put steel T shaped brackets in to eventually wrap around the joists. I never thought about it before but I wonder if all that metal would cause lightning attraction?


I don't believe the steel rods (aka reinforcing steel) is used to correct level; it is to help the poured concrete to strenghten the wall. Doubt that the rebar (aka reinforcing steel) buried in concrete attracts ligntning.

.

[lrhnhl]

I'm a member of the Study Group on Lightning. We would like to learn more about what appears to be a very serious lightning event for the lessons learned that we can use with our Power Point presentation, Lightning Tips for Villagers. Do you know the date when this happended, the address, the owner, was the fire department or paramedics called? Thanks for your help.

[SteveFromNY]

I'm a member of the Study Group on Lightning. We would like to learn more about what appears to be a very serious lightning event for the lessons learned that we can use with our Power Point presentation, Lightning Tips for Villagers. Do you know the date when this happended, the address, the owner, was the fire department or paramedics called? Thanks for your help.

Since you are buildng what could be a very good tool for Villagers, you may want to consider going directly to the local fire dept and gather statistics and individual event details from them for this particular event as well as others.

Just a thought.

[lrhnhl]

Since you are buildng what could be a very good tool for Villagers, you may want to consider going directly to the local fire dept and gather statistics and individual event details from them for this particular event as well as others.

Just a thought.

We have made a request to the District Department of Public Safety and waiting for a relpy.

[Minnesotalyn]

Does anyone have water problems down there with all the rain you guys get. Is this a concern when building down there?

[SteveFromNY]

Does anyone have water problems down there with all the rain you guys get. Is this a concern when building down there?

I watched the rainy week - around Memorial Day this past year - when something like 14 inches fell in a week. I marveled at the engineering that went into the underlying infrastructure. Everything drained very quickly. I have to say I did not see any spots with standing water anywhere I went. The retention ponds were more full than I'd ever seen them, but no threat to overfilling. It was said that an 18 month long drout was erased in a week.
The only thing negative that happened were a number of sink holes that developed after the rain. For instance, the grass next to the golf cart path up from my house had a small (1 ft or so) sink hole that was filled in during the next week.
If you want more attention paid to this post you may want to start a new thread with the new title about rain.

[dillywho]

I'm a member of the Study Group on Lightning. We would like to learn more about what appears to be a very serious lightning event for the lessons learned that we can use with our Power Point presentation, Lightning Tips for Villagers. Do you know the date when this happended, the address, the owner, was the fire department or paramedics called? Thanks for your help.

I don't have any information for your request, but I have one of my own. Please, in your presentations, stress the importance of getting off the course when seeing lightning or hearing thunder. As I am sure you know, contrary to popular belief, it does not have to be close to be a danger. I cannot tell you how many times I have seen golfers continuing to play because "it hasn't started raining", but the lightning is flashing and the thunder is rolling. WFCOL (well for crying out loud), you can come back later or another day. Nobody here is "playing for a green jacket", so it is definitely not more important than your life that you play.

[Grill Meister]

You will have to confirm this with your builder or check it out yourself; however, I am told that the reason houses hit by lightening all burn to the ground is that our natural gas lines run through our attics and when lightening hits our roofs and starts burning, the plastic couplings on the gas lines melt and whooooooooosh.:rant-rave:

So, I guess, if our house is hit by lightening, the first thing to do is shut the gas line off....before you retrieve your belongings.:shrug:

[soonfl]

I know nothing bout this but in an earthquake prone area. I believe these are effective.

Seems to make sense.



http://www.toolbase.org/Technology-Inventory/Appliances/gas-excess-flow-valves

[graciegirl]

You will have to confirm this with your builder or check it out yourself; however, I am told that the reason houses hit by lightening all burn to the ground is that our natural gas lines run through our attics and when lightening hits our roofs and starts burning, the plastic couplings on the gas lines melt and whooooooooosh.:rant-rave:

So, I guess, if our house is hit by lightening, the first thing to do is shut the gas line off....before you retrieve your belongings.:shrug:

bumping this thread on lightning for information brought up in new thread.

Jes tryin' to hep.

[jblum315]

This thread is from August 2009

[graciegirl]

This thread is from August 2009

I know, Jblum, but someone just started a new thread on the question and I was trying to find an old one that had some posts from the lightning expert who writes a column in the POA.

I respect your opinion always and your logical mind, jblum, we haven't decided whether to install lightning rods or not. What would you suggest?

[CarGuys]

Been told forget them, been told get them! I'm leaning toward protecting my home with them.

It will be a search to find the right professional company that does it correctly.

And like you I am open to our friends for advise and recommendations.

I have a e-mail into my builder. I like many have a metal Bird Gage.

Ahhhh I'm thinking Positive lighting- negative steel- connected to home Zap = not good!

Herv

[jgbama]

There's another home in the Sunset Point area (Pelican Path) that is on fire and most likely hit by lightning. There are tons of fire trucks there pouring water on it. I hope everyone is OK. This is getting scary.

This is a great reminder to add "lightning rods" to my list of things to add once we move to TV. With the storms that cross that area, I think lightning rods as well as maybe a whole house surge protector would be a wise investment.

[SgtJohn]

As I am just moving to the area, I must admit that I didn't give this topic much thought. However, now that I have read these posts, I will be looking into therods and the whole house surge protection. Thanks.

[angiefox10]

I think the people on either side of me should get them. :icon_wink:

[red tail]

from the natl weather service....

I have a lightning rod on my house. Am I safe from lightning? Lightning rods will not prevent your building from being struck. They actually INCREASE it by making your house TALLER. The purpose of the lightning rod is to direct the current from the lightning to the ground along a preferred path instead of to the house. However, this works only if the rod is connected to the ground with heavy gauge wire.Top

i consider lightening rods like tornado shelters in your garage. you can get a little carried away worrying about all the natural disasters that can happen to you.

[CarGuys]

from the natl weather service....

You can get a little carried away worrying about all the natural disasters that can happen to you.

Why am I now flashing back to my first marriage!

[angiefox10]

Why am I now flashing back to my first marriage!


BAD!!!! :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl: