Lightning strikes from a storm early this morning sparked several fires around Abilene and Taylor County.

Damage was reported to the Abilene Woman's Club, and to homes on Brantley Court and Sugarberry.

About 5 a.m., a fire was reported by the residents in the 4900 block of Brantley Court, according to the Abilene Fire Department. The residents were awakened by the strom immediately began checking their home for damage when they noticed smoke in the house.

The residents went to a neighbor’s home and called 9-1-1. When fire crews arrived the attic and back of the residence was on fire. The lightning strike had apparently hit the fireplace chimney. The structure suffered extensive fire, smoke and water damage. The blaze was brought under control within an hour. Fire crews stayed on the scene for several hours to ensure the residence was secured and no other fire was found. In all, 4 fire crews responded.

About 5:15 a.m. another residence on Sugarberry suffered a lightning strike. No fire was reported; however, the home received some structural damage.

About 6 a.m., a passer-by noticed smoke billowing from the Abilene Woman’s Club on South 14th Street. When fire crews arrived they found the large building had suffered a lightning strike to the roof steeple. Smoke and fire were reported by the first arriving fire crews.

A second alarm was called and the blaze was brought under control at about 6:30. The building suffered fire and smoke damage. It also suffered some water damage due to the hole in the roof steeple during the rain. Fire crews stayed on the scene to secure the building from further water damage.

The storm brought more than 2 inches of rain to the Abilene Regional Airport, according to the National Weather Service, with larger amounts being reported unofficially throughout the county. The heavy rain caused some street flooding and flooding at low-water crossings.

More rain is expected throughout today, although it is not expected to be as heavy. Saturated grounds, however, means there is a chance of flooding.

The NWS has issued a flash flood advisory for Brown County, and flash flood watch for Mitchell, Scurry and Howard counties. Flash flood advisories for Abilene and Taylor County expired this morning, although there is a possibility new watches and warnings might be issued.