Surprise Storm Hits Bratt, Downs Trees And Power Lines, Wreaks Havoc At Northview Homecoming

October 5, 2019

A surprise thunderstorm in Bratt Friday evening brought high winds and lightning that caused minor damage, downed trees and power lines and wreaked havoc with homecoming and football at Northview High School.

The Northview stadium was evacuated twice due to lightning, and two power failures due to downed trees plunged the campus and surrounding communities into darkness.

Schools officials abruptly ended outdoor homecoming court activities just after 6 p.m. as lightning popped nearby, moving everyone into the school gym to try again. A short time later, the power went out, leaving homecoming activities and a crowded gym in the dark for about an hour. Fans and players were rushed out of the stadium again at halftime due to lightning. The power was cut off during halftime for emergency repairs on nearby Pine Barren Road, leaving the stadium in the dark and significantly delaying the game.

Homecoming floats parked in the stadium were flattened by high winds during the storm.

Trees were reported down in multiple locations around the Bratt area, and some minor damage to at least one home was reported.

Pictured above: The Northview stadium in the dark at halftime Friday night, except for emergency lighting provided by fire trucks and an ambulance. Pictured below: Homecoming activities moved into the school gym due to lightning, but the power went out for about an hour.  Pictured next below: Storm clouds approach the stadium during the start of homecoming activities, with lightning forcing the NJROTC and homecoming court to run for cover. Pictured bottom: Homecoming floats in the stadium were flattened by high winds. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

6 Responses to “Surprise Storm Hits Bratt, Downs Trees And Power Lines, Wreaks Havoc At Northview Homecoming”

  1. JustSaying on October 7th, 2019 7:19 am

    Power still goes at Dome stadiums, then you have an oven! Just a thought!

  2. Barbara Agerton on October 5th, 2019 9:28 pm

    WOW! that was so unexpected, glad no body was hurt……..Mother Nature had her own plans.that was so weird,we drove through right before it hit,and then after,it was so dark because of the power outage,…….thanks so much for the photos.

  3. To another thot on October 5th, 2019 5:42 pm

    Build a Dome statium at 29 & 97, huh?
    U GONNA PAY FOR IT!!??

  4. CW on October 5th, 2019 3:27 pm

    I hate their homecoming got messed up, but so glad I got some rain! :)

  5. Mary on October 5th, 2019 10:57 am

    Wow-that’s a homecoming game attendees will talk about forever! Glad to hear everyone is ok.

  6. Another thot on October 5th, 2019 9:54 am

    Easy solution to future weather situations like this:

    Build a domed stadium at HWY 29 and HWY 97.

    NorthEscambia.com Field.