Corolla Faces Down Unfortunate Lightning Damage

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News Summary

Residents of Corolla are recovering from a severe lightning storm that caused significant damage on June 17, 2025. The storm led to a fire at the local Corolla Adventure Golf and Bumper Cars, a beloved attraction, and damaged several homes. Community efforts are underway to assess the damages and ensure safety amidst rising concerns about lightning hazards. In a troubling twist, the attraction also experienced a break-in, adding to the challenges faced by local residents and businesses.

Corolla Faces Down Unfortunate Lightning Damage

In the idyllic Outer Banks village of Corolla, residents are picking up the pieces after experiencing a severe lightning storm on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. The storm hit with a vengeance, causing significant damage to several structures and even triggering a fire at a popular local attraction.

The Storm Strikes

Stormy weather rolled in around 7 p.m., bringing with it a cascade of lightning strikes that wreaked havoc in the area. Fire officials confirmed that at least five lightning strikes occurred between sunset and midnight, targeting not just homes, but also the cherished Corolla Adventure Golf and Bumper Cars attraction.

What Happened to the Bumper Cars?

Among the most affected places was the Corolla Adventure Golf and Bumper Cars, which suffered heavy damage due to a direct lightning strike. Video footage circulating on social media showcased fiery flames shooting from the roof of the attraction, leaving many residents and visitors shocked at the sight. The fire eventually caused the temporary closure of this beloved local entertainment spot, which is particularly devastating considering how important it is for families looking for fun outdoor options.

More Than Just Fun and Games

It’s not just the bumper cars taking the hit; four homes within the village were also impacted. Fortunately, these other properties mainly sustained damage to their wooden frames and some fried wiring, escaping the kind of catastrophic destruction seen at the attraction. However, many of these homes are unoccupied vacation rentals, meaning that the full extent of the damage might not be realized until owners return to assess the situation.

Community Response

The local fire and rescue teams sprang into action, with firefighters from various departments, including those from Corolla, Currituck County, Duck, Southern Shores, and Kitty Hawk, all playing a role in tackling the issues presented by the storm. Coastal areas like Corolla often find themselves in the crosshairs of lightning activity, as storms tend to gain strength over ocean waters, posing an increased risk to coastal communities. Reports indicate that lightning strikes can often be more potent when they’re over water compared to when they make landfall.

A Double Whammy

Just when things couldn’t seem to get worse, the Corolla Adventure Golf and Bumper Cars also experienced a break-in, just days after the lightning strike. The establishment’s CEO expressed frustration over the incident, revealing that thieves managed to break into the vending machines and a safe, stealing a total of $300 in quarters. In a twist of irony, the equipment used in the stealing spree was golf clubs taken from the attraction’s clubhouse.

Rising Concerns

The aftermath has raised alarm within the community, prompting discussions on awareness and ensuring safety for local businesses. The CEO of the attraction is collaborating with local law enforcement to investigate the break-in while seeking to rally the community for support in raising awareness about both lightning safety and the protection of local attractions.

A Call to Action

While the storms have created challenges for Corolla, residents remain hopeful that their cherished entertainment options will rebound. With outdoor activities limited, the Corolla Adventure Golf and Bumper Cars serves as a vital outlet for fun in the area. They may be down, but they are not out. Residents are encouraged to support their local businesses during this challenging time.

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Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER

The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.