local
One lightning strike could cost homeowners tens of thousands of dollars
By Anastassia Olmos at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News
· June 25, 2026
· 3 min read
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - A summer storm rolls through. The lights flicker. Then nothing. For thousands of Georgia homeowners every year, that moment marks the beginning of a costly, months-long ordeal, one that starts with a lightning strike and ends with a repair bill that can easily ...
Key takeaway This week, June 21–27, is National Lightning Safety Awareness Week, an annual reminder from the National Weather Service that lightning is one of nature’s most underrated threats, both to personal safety and to your home.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
For Atlanta homeowners, the threat of lightning strikes is particularly concerning given the city's location in a state that ranks among the hardest hit by lightning-related damage. The fact that Georgia homeowners filed 4,000 lightning-related insurance claims in 2025, with an average cost of over $22,000, underscores the significant financial burden that these events can impose on local families. As the city's homes become increasingly equipped with smart devices and high-end appliances, the potential for costly damage from power surges grows. Furthermore, the rising costs of labor and materials in the Atlanta area will likely contribute to even higher repair and reconstruction costs in the event of a lightning strike. As National Lightning Safety Awareness Week draws attention to this often-overlooked threat, Atlanta residents would do well to review their insurance coverage and take steps to protect their homes and electronics from the devastating effects of a lightning strike.
About this story
Original reporting by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - A summer storm rolls through. The lights flicker. Then nothing. For thousands of Georgia homeowners every year, that moment marks the beginning of a costly, months-long ordeal, one that starts with a lightning strike and ends with a repair bill that can easily ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Anastassia Olmos at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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