Lightning, flooding, fallen tree: Severe weather wreaks havoc across the Triangle

Friday, April 7, 2023
WAKE COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- The weather was wet and dangerous in central North Carolina on Friday.

From lightning to foods, below are some of problems the weather caused in the ABC11 viewing area.
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Lightning sparks fire


Lightning strike sparks fire at Garner home, destroys roof


A lightning strike caused a home to catch fire in Wake County, according to the Garner Fire Chief.

The homeowner said he was sleeping Friday morning when lightning struck the heating unit in the attic and sparked the fire. He said it sounded like a small explosion and then he started to see smoke billowing out of vents in his home.
SEE ALSO: Heavy rains Friday morning cause multiple crashes throughout Triangle

The homeowner said he believes lightning struck the heating unit located in the attic which caused the fire.



Fire crews were able to get the fire under control. There was no sprinkler system inside the home. Three people and a dog in total were inside at the time of the lightning strike, and they were able to get out safely.

Folks living in the row of townhomes were also evacuated. One person told ABC11 they heard when the lightning hit the building.
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"We heard a bang, you could tell it wasn't thunder but didn't really know what it was," said Viiu Loub.
FORECAST: Wet start to the weekend, much colder

No one was injured.

The attic and third floor primary suite have significant damage.

RELATED | One injury reported after storm, heavy rains topple tree onto family's home in Sanford
One injury reported after storm, heavy rains topple tree onto family's home in Sanford


Flood rescue


Lightning flooding and more: Damage caused by Friday's storms


Rising water trapped a family inside their home in Durham.
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It happened in the 4 o'clock hour Friday afternoon at a home on South Street.



Durham rescue crews had to get a raft to float up to the front door of the home, because water surrounding the home was approximately 4 feet deep. Once there, they were able to help a couple and their dog to safety.

Durham officials said a second home behind the residence was also evacuated. In total, 5 adults and 1 dog were evacuated.

All residents were are recieving help from friends and family. No injuries were reported in the incident.

WATCH | Survival tips if you get trapped in a flash flood
Survival tips if you get trapped in a flash flood


Cancelations and postponements


The adverse weather has forced event organizers to cancel or reschedule events -- like an Easter egg hunt hosted by Prince Hall York Rite at Pullen Park

"We were hoping and praying that the rain would blow over as it had done in the previous couple of weekends," Tim DeBerry said. "Last night, we made the final call to go ahead and just change up. Pullen Park was able to get us in and reschedule so that was really nice. Shout out to Pullen Park."



Organizers said the event has been rescheduled to April 16.

The Durham Rescue Mission will hold a drive-thru event Saturday morning handing out Easter baskets due to lower than expected turnout on Friday because of the weather.

Durham Craft Market said while Saturday's market has not been officially canceled, it's highly unlikely members will be coming out due to weather.
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