Lightning Strike Explodes Toilet in Florida

news image
Special Stories
6 Aug 2019 11:11 AM
A Southwest Florida homeowner had a "crappy" day after lightning struck their septic tank.  Plumbers said lightning struck the Port Charlotte residents’ septic tank earlier this week, igniting the methane gas in the tank and causing their toilet to explode in their master bathroom. The porcelain was thrown airborne and even busted through parts of the walls. The plumbing firm said all of the sewer piping would most likely need replaced as well. No injuries were reported in the blast, and the homeowners are expecting to make repairs. More heavy rain and thunderstorms are in the forecast for southern Florida Tuesday and Wednesday. Storms will be enhanced by onshore sea breezes in the afternoon. Thanks to all of the available moisture around the area, storms can produce extremely heavy rainfall. This could lead to localized rainfall accumulation of several inches in just the next two days. As is normal for Florida this time of year, conditions stay warm, humid, and stormy for the next several days. As a reminder, it is always best to avoid taking a shower (or in some cases using the toilet) during a thunderstorm. Showering or even doing the dishes can increase your risk of getting struck by lightning. Thankfully no injuries were reported with this incident Sunday, but there have already been 10 lightning fatalities so far this year. -Meteorologist Viki Knapp
All Weather News
More
Another Weekend Snow on the East Coast?

Another Weekend Snow on the East Coast?

Copy and paste has been used a lot by forecas

29 Jan 2026 3:15 AM
Lake-Effect Snow Sticks Around the Great Lakes

Lake-Effect Snow Sticks Around the Great Lakes

WOOF! The Northeast got rocked over the weeke

29 Jan 2026 3:10 AM
Nearly Half a Million Without Power From Winter Storm

Nearly Half a Million Without Power From Winter Storm

ABOVE - Up to one inch of ice accumulated acr

29 Jan 2026 3:10 AM
Rain Finally Makes a Return to the Northwest

Rain Finally Makes a Return to the Northwest

We're making a run at two straight weeks with

29 Jan 2026 3:00 AM
Cold Air Sticks Around the Central to Eastern U.S.

Cold Air Sticks Around the Central to Eastern U.S.

Temperatures have been record-breaking with h

29 Jan 2026 2:50 AM
Gulf-Effect Snow Possible This Weekend

Gulf-Effect Snow Possible This Weekend

You've been warned, iguanas. We've had glanci

29 Jan 2026 2:50 AM
Severe Thunderstorms Possible Across the South on Sunday

Severe Thunderstorms Possible Across the South on Sunday

While much of the country will be impacted by

25 Jan 2026 10:40 PM