At Least 7 Buildings Struck By Lightning During Fairfield Storms

FAIRFIELD, CT — No less than seven buildings were struck by lightning amid storms Wednesday, according to a fire official. The lightning started fires at a business on Chambers Street and a garage on Tuckahone Lane. Additionally, at least five homes saw lesser damage after being struck in Fairfield, fire department Assistant Chief George Gomola said.

"It was basically all over town," he said.

The lightning strikes started in the late afternoon, after 4:15 p.m., according to Gomola, affecting electricity and damaging structures.

Also Wednesday, lightning downed many trees in Fairfield, he said. One branch that was struck by lightning fell on a vehicle, killing the driver.

Significant flooding from the storms affected the fire department's ability to respond to calls, as water blocked all viaducts, Chambers Street, Black Rock Turnpike and the area around Home Depot, according to Gomola. As of 12:15 a.m. Thursday, 2.77 inches of rainfall was reported in Fairfield, according to the National Weather Service.