I don't believe that that will spawn an event.
Events are spawned when you move someone in via the screen you get when you first load a town. You have to move them into an unfurnished house.
Really, hmm I don't think you're right on that last part. I've had that happen to me twice, and I never ever buy unfurnished houses.
In total, I've had 6 meteor strikes in my game.
2 like I just mentioned, and then 4 more from the sky got dark scenario.
My first time ever was an Evil Genius Sim using a telescope. Two others were telescopic scenarios also. Then one was just my Sim walking to a friends' house.
I think they add a little spice to the game and break up the boring aspects after you get a Sim that can't die by most instances except natural causes.