Local News

Atlanta weather | Storms leave scattered damage; more rain on the way

July 19, 2012

It was another stormy July night in the metro Atlanta area Wednesday, and it doesn't look like the rain is going away.

There are showers in the forecast through the weekend, Channel 2 Action News meteorologist David Chandley said.

A lightning strike is believed to have caused a house fire Wednesday in Duluth, Gwinnett fire Lt. Colin S. Rhoden said.

Firefighters responded to the scene in the 4600 block of Fairway View Court after an occupant called 911.

Erik Morris told Channel 2 Action News that the lightning sounded like a grenade went off. He said his 2-year-old son, Benjamin, alerted him to the danger.

"He pointed to the corner of the house, and he said, 'Hot, hot,' and I looked up and the house was on fire," Morris said.

The fire caused moderate damage to the attic of the home and was quickly brought under control, Rhoden said. No injuries were reported.

In DeKalb County, a caregiver and neighbors helped a disabled woman escape a house after lightning sparked a fire on Beacon Court, Channel 2 said. No one was injured.

There were also reports of trees down in the metro area, Channel 2 said.

The weather isn't looking much better for the next four days.

Thursday and Friday, there is a 60 percent chance of rain, Chandley said. Highs are expected to reach the low 90s, with lows in the low 70s.

The weekend forecast is for mostly cloudy skies and scattered storms, with a 70 percent chance of rain Saturday and Sunday, Chandley said. Highs are expected to reach the upper 80s, with lows in the low to mid-70s.

About the Author

Angel K. Brooks is a senior manager for the programming team, focusing on quality control. She has been with the AJC since 2007 and started as a sports copy editor. She is a graduate of Florida A&M University.

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