Intense lightning storm 2024-07-20

[JohnnyP]

Short video of storm with near continuous lightning Saturday night 2024-07-20:
https://youtu.be/Ce2439_a2wc

Then, on Sunday morning I passed by a house with a palm tree that looks like it exploded, maybe from a lightning strike.

7/23 update: By Tuesday, the palm tree was cut down and is gone.

[tophcfa]

Unbelievable lighting storm last night. My wife and I sat out in our screened in front porch for about 45 minutes and watched the show. We have never seen so much non-stop lightning before in our entire long lives.

[Altavia]

Lots of fireworks for sure.

My weather station recorded a new record of over 6,000 lightening
strikes.

[Kenswing]

As beautiful as it was, unfortunately there were at least two homes damaged/destroyed by fire last night.

[Dusty_Star]

Wow! Thanks for the video. If the palm was struck, those homeowners dodged a bullet.

[Dusty_Star]

As beautiful as it was, unfortunately there were at least two homes damaged/destroyed by fire last night.

Oh no! Were the houses in The Villages? Which Villages were struck?

[Stu from NYC]

Unbelievable lighting storm last night. My wife and I sat out in our screened in front porch for about 45 minutes and watched the show. We have never seen so much non-stop lightning before in our entire long lives.

That was a huge amount of lightning. First time we ever saw our solar lights flash on every few seconds

[sounding]

Oh no! Were the houses in The Villages? Which Villages were struck?

To find out why lightning caused 2 Villages homes to catch on fire (and not other homes) -- come to the Science & Technology Club, July 22 at 1 PM, to hear Len Hathaway (the Villages lightning expert) give a 5-minute overview -- prior to the Hurricane presentation.

[Carla B]

In 2017 lightning struck our very tall Sylvester palm, traveled across the street and knocked out the water main. The strike did not cause as much obvious damage as to the tree pictured above by Johnny but it died within a couple weeks.

But in the sixteen years we've been here, the intense electrical storms of this summer appear to be the worst we've ever experienced.

[sounding]

In 2017 lightning struck our very tall Sylvester palm, traveled across the street and knocked out the water main. The strike did not cause as much obvious damage as to the tree pictured above by Johnny but it died within a couple weeks.

But in the sixteen years we've been here, the intense electrical storms of this summer appear to be the worst we've ever experienced.

It seems like more, because like with cell phones, everyone can now see all lightning strikes globally, thanks to modern technology. There is no data to support the "worst ever" regarding storms. For example, the attached chart is from the Florida Climate Center, which shows Ocala July rains over 2 inches since 1892. In general, global warming, actually inhibits not only hurricanes, but also thunderstorms. Find out more at the Weather Club ... The Villages Weather Club (https://www.theweatherclubvillages.com/)

[Taltarzac725]

My dog was terrified by all that. He was panting heavily and shaking with fear.

[asianthree]

To find out why lightning caused 2 Villages homes to catch on fire (and not other homes) -- come to the Science & Technology Club, July 22 at 1 PM, to hear Len Hathaway (the Villages lightning expert) give a 5-minute overview -- prior to the Hurricane presentation.

So you know the two homes involved, but need to attend a meeting to find out location?

[Ecuadog]

Oh no! Were the houses in The Villages? Which Villages were struck?

I believe they are on Foggy Brook Loop in St. Charles and on Lyman Way in Sunset Pointe.

[MikeVillages]

The walls in our home SHOOK with the thunder.

[sounding]

So you know the two homes involved, but need to attend a meeting to find out location?

No I don't know where they are -- but Len Hathaway does (including details) -- or you can wait to see if the news prints it -- which sometimes they don't so as not to scare new comers.

[Kenswing]

I believe they are on Foggy Brook Loop in St. Charles and on Lyman Way in Sunset Pointe.

Correct. I think there was a strike on Kline St. also that didn’t cause a fire.

[Ele201]

That prolonged electrical storm was so scary! So much lightning and thunder. I was so relieved when it stopped.

[Ele201]

I believe they are on Foggy Brook Loop in St. Charles and on Lyman Way in Sunset Pointe.
That’s correct. Attached is a link to an article about the fires.

Lightning strike causes house fires in The Villages (https://www.wesh.com/article/lightning-strike-causes-fire-the-villages/61656652)

[sounding]

Len Hathaway (Villages Lighting expert) will give the details today, July 22, at 1 PM at Bridgeport Rec Center -- prior to the scheduled Science & Technology presentation about Hurricanes.

[Michael 61]

Just my second summer here, but so far this year, seems lightning storms have been longer and more intense than last summer. I track lightning activity on the “weather bug” app, and so far this summer, we have had two major lightning storms that seemed to have stalled for over an hour above the Brownwood/Richmond/Lake Okahumpka part of TV.

[Rocksnap]

It seems like more, because like with cell phones, everyone can now see all lightning strikes globally, thanks to modern technology. There is no data to support the "worst ever" regarding storms. For example, the attached chart is from the Florida Climate Center, which shows Ocala July rains over 2 inches since 1892. In general, global warming, actually inhibits not only hurricanes, but also thunderstorms. Find out more at the Weather Club ... The Villages Weather Club (https://www.theweatherclubvillages.com/)

Please stop generating false narratives. This “global warming” is a false narrative. I have way too much data to prove this false. The earths temp has actually dropped the last several hundred years. That’s hardly “warming”. Earth has been around for billions of years, gone thru many a change. Humans have been here for what, 100,000 years max. Our Industrial revolution for the proverbial drop in the bucket. No deal, green or otherwise, will make a difference.

[TheWatcher]

Short video of storm with near continuous lightning Saturday night 2024-07-20:
https://youtu.be/Ce2439_a2wc

Then, on Sunday morning I passed by a house with a palm tree that looks like it exploded, maybe from a lightning strike.

From my Tempest weather station:

07/20/2024
Lightning
Strikes 5995

07/18/2024
Lightning
Strikes 4647


Week of
07/15-22/2024
Lightning
Strikes 20962


Strikes out to 25 miles are included in the count.

Tempest (https://tempestwx.com/station/83573)

[sounding]

Correct.

[Altavia]

That’s correct. Attached is a link to an article about the fires.

Lightning strike causes house fires in The Villages (https://www.wesh.com/article/lightning-strike-causes-fire-the-villages/61656652)

Very sad indeed.

Do homes in St. Charles have gas lines in the attic?

[bowlingal]

Dusty Star....go to **************.com for the article

[chuckpedrey]

For a sense of the overwhelming power of a lightning strike search YouTube for “lightning strikes water”. Frightening to say the least.

[mntlblok]

Short video of storm with near continuous lightning Saturday night 2024-07-20:
https://youtu.be/Ce2439_a2wc

Then, on Sunday morning I passed by a house with a palm tree that looks like it exploded, maybe from a lightning strike.

That wasn't one of those alligator lizards in the air, was it?

The wifey almost hit the floor whilst watching when one of the booms landed *very* close.

[Nana2Teddy]

Just my second summer here, but so far this year, seems lightning storms have been longer and more intense than last summer. I track lightning activity on the “weather bug” app, and so far this summer, we have had two major lightning storms that seemed to have stalled for over an hour above the Brownwood/Richmond/Lake Okahumpka part of TV.
And DeLuna. Saturday night was terrifying to me as a Californian who’s never experienced anything like that in my life. We were watching an episode of The Boys on Prime which was a very intense plane hijacking scene, and I had to tell my husband we needed to pause the show until the storm ended because my adrenaline was sky high because of the show and the storm combined.

[kendi]

To find out why lightning caused 2 Villages homes to catch on fire (and not other homes) -- come to the Science & Technology Club, July 22 at 1 PM, to hear Len Hathaway (the Villages lightning expert) give a 5-minute overview -- prior to the Hurricane presentation.

Wish I could. Sounds fascinating. Would really appreciate if it could be recorded and shared.

[kendi]

Please stop generating false narratives. This “global warming” is a false narrative. I have way too much data to prove this false. The earths temp has actually dropped the last several hundred years. That’s hardly “warming”. Earth has been around for billions of years, gone thru many a change. Humans have been here for what, 100,000 years max. Our Industrial revolution for the proverbial drop in the bucket. No deal, green or otherwise, will make a difference.

Help me to understand your data please. Why are the glaciers melting so quickly and why is the Alaskan hwy crumbling for the first time ever due to the melting foundation underneath. Canadian guides remind us that we are still at the end of the ice age meaning that the earth is still warming. And why does the channel 6 weather man say the Florida coastline is sinking due to rising water from warming temps?

I’m not criticizing your stance, just appreciate hearing both sides of the issue.

[Regorp]

Short video of storm with near continuous lightning Saturday night 2024-07-20:
https://youtu.be/Ce2439_a2wc

Then, on Sunday morning I passed by a house with a palm tree that looks like it exploded, maybe from a lightning strike.

The thunder was so loud and the lightning so bright that I thought it was like when Key experienced the raging battle when he wrote our National Anthem! Bombs bursting in air!!

[Lightning]

Wish I could. Sounds fascinating. Would really appreciate if it could be recorded and shared.


Go to the poa4us.org web site. Select the Bulletin Tab for the July 2024 issue and page 14 for an extensive description of the lightning issues we face living here in the Lightning Capital of the USA.

[sounding]

Wish I could. Sounds fascinating. Would really appreciate if it could be recorded and shared.

These presentations are not recorded. Sign up for notices of upcoming talks with the email at bottom of link ... The Villages Weather Club (https://www.theweatherclubvillages.com/)

[sounding]

Help me to understand your data please. Why are the glaciers melting so quickly and why is the Alaskan hwy crumbling for the first time ever due to the melting foundation underneath. Canadian guides remind us that we are still at the end of the ice age meaning that the earth is still warming. And why does the channel 6 weather man say the Florida coastline is sinking due to rising water from warming temps?

I’m not criticizing your stance, just appreciate hearing both sides of the issue.

While most glaciers are melting (since we are still thawing out from the Little Ice Age), more than 100 are growing. We are currently cooling via Milankovitch cycles, warming via solar cycles, cooling via sunspot cycles, warming via Tonga volcano -- all at the same time. Find out the details at the Weather Club ... The Villages Weather Club (https://www.theweatherclubvillages.com/)

[charlie1]

To find out why lightning caused 2 Villages homes to catch on fire (and not other homes) -- come to the Science & Technology Club, July 22 at 1 PM, to hear Len Hathaway (the Villages lightning expert) give a 5-minute overview -- prior to the Hurricane presentation.

Why not share the information here for those that cannot attend. Probably could be valuable for all Villagers

[Deden]

This helps my 11 yr. old 100 lb. German Shepherd from Petco It's called (Pet Honest Hemp Calming) PetSmart and Chewy also carries. I also have Lavender spray and plug-in. Lavender calms, (But not good for Cats!) Good Luck hope this helps.

[sounding]

Why not share the information here for those that cannot attend. Probably could be valuable for all Villagers

Here's the bottom line ... get Lightning Rods to avoid being in the newspaper.

[kendi]

While most glaciers are melting (since we are still thawing out from the Little Ice Age), more than 100 are growing. We are currently cooling via Milankovitch cycles, warming via solar cycles, cooling via sunspot cycles, warming via Tonga volcano -- all at the same time. Find out the details at the Weather Club ... The Villages Weather Club (https://www.theweatherclubvillages.com/)

Interesting, thank you!

[Altavia]

Why not share the information here for those that cannot attend. Probably could be valuable for all Villagers

Sadly it seems they want you to go to their anti developer club meeting ;-)

The same people who spam your driveway each month with their POA propaganda letter.

Anyway, since lightening does not care about your politics, here's a direct link to the Bulletin with a nice article by Len Hathaway,

2024-072-Bulletin.pdf (https://docs.google.com/viewerng/viewer?url=https://poa4us.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/Bulletins/2024-072-Bulletin.pdf&hl=en)

[Jalane]

Please stop generating false narratives. This “global warming” is a false narrative. I have way too much data to prove this false. The earths temp has actually dropped the last several hundred years. That’s hardly “warming”. Earth has been around for billions of years, gone thru many a change. Humans have been here for what, 100,000 years max. Our Industrial revolution for the proverbial drop in the bucket. No deal, green or otherwise, will make a difference.


This thread would be a good place to share your data..

[sounding]

This thread would be a good place to share your data..

There is no data proving CO2 harms our climate.

[Glorantha]

Find out more at the Weather Club ... The Villages Weather Club (https://www.theweatherclubvillages.com/)

Followed the Weather Club link, are the dates and subjects up-to-date?

[sounding]

Followed the Weather Club link, are the dates and subjects up-to-date?

Yes, the Weather Club site listing is up to date. However,

1. Future scheduled talks do sometimes change based on current events. For example, the August talk was originally going to be about Ocean Heat, but since the media still refuses to acknowledge how Tonga is causing this year's heat spike, a new "Tonga Volcano" talk is being created just for that purpose - and the Science & Technology said they also want to hear it in August.

2. In addition to the 4 scheduled talks listed on the Weather Club site, there are 8 more (weather & climate) talks being given to other Villages' clubs. For a monthly update to all Weather Club related talks, including announcements to talks outside the Weather Club, sign up for monthly announcements via the email address at the bottom of this link ... The Villages Weather Club (https://www.theweatherclubvillages.com/)

[crash]

Please stop generating false narratives. This “global warming” is a false narrative. I have way too much data to prove this false. The earths temp has actually dropped the last several hundred years. That’s hardly “warming”. Earth has been around for billions of years, gone thru many a change. Humans have been here for what, 100,000 years max. Our Industrial revolution for the proverbial drop in the bucket. No deal, green or otherwise, will make a difference.

Believe you are the one with the false narrative. Humans are not the only cause of climate change but are the only one we can do something about. 95% or more climate scientists say warming deniers are an ostrich with their head buried in the sand.

[sounding]

Believe you are the one with the false narrative. Humans are not the only cause of climate change but are the only one we can do something about. 95% or more climate scientists say warming deniers are an ostrich with their head buried in the sand.

Claims of 95% consensus are misleading, because in science there is no consensus - there's just data. Many ground-breaking discoveries and theories were created by ONE person (often completely contrary to consensus). Consensus is the basis of politics, which data is the basis of science ... and right now there is no data proving CO2 harms our climate. Learn the more at the Weather Club ... The Villages Weather Club (http://www.theweatherclubvillages.com)

[jrref]

The Villages Lightning Study Group which Len Hathaway leads gives presentations all through the year at club meetings, special meetings organized by local residents interested in lightning and at the POA meetings. Here is the link to the POA meeting since it was recorded. It will explain all the information about lightning and surge protection and the problem with the flexible gas lines used many years ago and what to do about it.

https://youtu.be/IJMLyywdB0A?t=1831

[OhioBuckeye]

The only thing we saw that we didn’t like about lighting storms was it would kick a lot of circuit breakers out & some wouldn’t reset like refrigerator. Didn’t like that because sometimes we would be gone for 2 weeks!

[sounding]

The only thing we saw that we didn’t like about lighting storms was it would kick a lot of circuit breakers out & some wouldn’t reset like refrigerator. Didn’t like that because sometimes we would be gone for 2 weeks!

This is why I ...
- installed lightning rods,
- wholehouse circuit breaker,
- individual circuit breakers for each piece of electronic equipment.
... and after 8 years - no problems.

Remember - since records have been kept, of all the Villages homes that caught fire from lightning - none had lightning rods.

[TomSpasm]

This is why I ...
- installed lightning rods,
- wholehouse circuit breaker,
- individual circuit breakers for each piece of electronic equipment.
... and after 8 years - no problems.

Remember - since records have been kept, of all the Villages homes that caught fire from lightning - none had lightning rods.

I've never done any of that, and after 12 years...no problems!

[OhioBuckeye]

This is why I ...
- installed lightning rods,
- wholehouse circuit breaker,
- individual circuit breakers for each piece of electronic equipment.
... and after 8 years - no problems.

Remember - since records have been kept, of all the Villages homes that caught fire from lightning - none had lightning rods.

But wouldn’t you think with all the lighting strikes the builders would put lighting rods in to prevent house fires, basically all lighting rods are, are rerod. It’s not all of the breakers it’s just the default breakers. Default breakers won’t reset & we all know GFCI breakers are only used where there’s water & never understood why they would put GFCI breakers on a refrigerator. Not saying you’re wrong about your assessment, but I know you might not of had an issue in 8 yrs. But really a refrigerator!