Lightning Destroys Homes, Disrupts Lives

DOUGLASVILLE, Ga. -- Lightning usually doesn't strike twice in the same location, but during Tuesday's thunderstorms, it struck four times in Douglasville. At least three families will have to rebuild their homes, and their lives.

All that remains standing of Tracy Johnson's home is the brick façade on what used to be the front of the house. She said she feels fortunate that no one was hurt. The single mother of two children was alone when the fire started.

Johnson's house was one of four in Douglas County that was struck by lightning -- three of those houses were destroyed by the fires that ensued.

They were all either in or close to the central part of the county near Douglasville. Johnson had the unenviable task of meeting with her insurance adjuster today. It isn't as simple as saying "I lost everything," but, she did -- everything material in the house.

Her 11-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter were spending time at their grandparents' when the lightning struck. Johnson says she heard a loud boom, and then saw smoke billowing out of her heating and air conditioning vents.

"I went down to the basement to investigate and realized that it was life or death, and just got out of the house as quickly as possible," she said.

It hasn't been just the insurance adjuster who has stopped by. Plenty of neighbors and members of Johnson's church have been by. Her hands were filled with gift cards and checks, tokens to help her get her and her kids clothed and started back on their feet.