Latest news with #lightning
Daily Mail
9 hours ago
- Climate
- Daily Mail
Horrific NYC lightning strike seriously injures teen in Central Park during freak thunderstorm
A teenager suffered burns to his neck after being struck by lightning in Central Park as he sheltered beneath a tree during a freak thunderstorm in New York. The abrupt change of weather that residents off-guard Thursday afternoon when the skies quickly turned, bringing torrential rain with roaring thunder and bright lightning bolts striking across the city. The teen, who was near 101st Street and Fifth Avenue, was standing under a tree when a bolt struck around 3:40 pm, the FDNY told CBS News. According to police, the electric current was transferred from the tree to a metal chain the boy was wearing around his neck. 'We found him sitting on the path right there,' a police officer told The Daily News. 'He was still conscious. He's lucky to be alive.' The boy was transported to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, where he remains in stable condition. His name has not been released. Crystal Mateo, 17, was walking nearby when the lightning struck. She witnessed the teen collapse immediately after the flash. 'It was scary,' Mateo told The New York Times. 'I was crying.' Near where the 17-year-old had seen the boy stands a towering elm, about 75 feet tall, Mateo said, explaining that its base was littered with abandoned water bottles, cookie packages, and a volleyball - suggesting a picnic interrupted by the storm. The area near the terrifying strike was roped off with yellow police tape for about an hour as rain continued to pour over the park, The New York Times reported. The storm, which quickly intensified, prompted the National Weather Service to issue a severe thunderstorm warning for the city. Just hours after the unexpected bolt, around 5:15 pm, the storm had passed, and the sun was out again, with people walking dogs in the park. Though lightning strikes are rare in New York City, experts warn they remain a serious threat during sudden storms like the one Thursday afternoon. 'I've never heard of that happening in the city, especially in the park like that,' one concerned Upper East Side resident, Robert LePlae, said. The odds of being struck by lightning in any given year are less than one in a million, though almost 90 percent of victims survive. Despite the low odds, lightning is one of the leading causes of weather-related deaths in the United States. From 2009 to 2018, an average of 27 Americans were killed by lightning each year, according to the National Weather Service. In 2021, a 13-year-old boy was fatally struck while at Orchard Beach in the Bronx. As authorities continue to monitor the teenager's recovery, the incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by sudden and severe weather.
CBS News
10 hours ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Barefoot Country Music Fest in Wildwood, New Jersey, paused because of lightning
The Barefoot Country Music Fest in Wildwood, New Jersey, was paused Thursday evening because of lightning nearby, the festival said on social media. "Lightning has been detected within 8 miles of the festival. Exit the festival grounds immediately and seek shelter. Stay tuned to the app/social for updates," the festival's Facebook page says. It's not clear what time the concert will resume. The four-day music festival on the beach in Wildwood features Jason Aldean, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Rascal Flatts, Jordan Davis and dozens of other artists. Staff at businesses in the area said they hope the festival brings a boost after a slow and rainy start to summer at the Jersey Shore. Severe storms swept through the Philadelphia area Thursday, causing extensive damage and power outages.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Severe thunderstorm watch for 4 Massachusetts counties until Thursday night
On Thursday at 1:23 p.m. a severe thunderstorm watch was issued by the National Weather Service valid between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. in effect until 9 p.m. for Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire and Worcester counties. Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away. To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, consider the following recommendations: Lightning safety plan: When venturing outdoors, it's crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place. Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it's a clear indication of nearby lightning. Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors. Indoors safety measures: Once you're indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors. These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways. Wait for the all-clear: After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities. It's important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution. When indoor shelter isn't available: If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety: Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk. Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees. If you're in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people. Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It's crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning. Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don't attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks. In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety. When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards: Beware of rapid water flow: Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away. Maintain safe driving distances: Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain. Slow down and drive with care: If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid. Choose your lane wisely: Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes. Prioritize visibility Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them. Watch out for slippery roads: Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery. Keep a safe distance from large vehicles: Don't follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely. Mind your windshield wipers: Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas. When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position. In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey. Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service. Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Teen struck by lightning in NYC's Central Park as severe weather strikes the east coast
A teenager was struck by lightning in New York City's Central Park as severe weather swept across the east coast on Thursday. New York City, along with Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., were under severe thunderstorm watches, in the afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service. The service warned of 'large hail, damaging wind, and continuous cloud to ground lightning.' In Manhattan Thursday afternoon, a teenager was struck by lightning, CBS News reported. The outlet's sources say he was standing under a tree when he and the tree were hit. The New York City Fire Department told The Independent the teen was taken to Weill Cornell Medical Center. CBS News reported, citing police, that he had injuries to his neck. Its sources said the teen was in stable condition. The National Weather Service warned people to move inside 'immediately.' 'Lightning is one of nature's leading killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning,' the service said. Lightning strikes about 25 million times a year in the U.S., according to the service. Roughly 20 people are killed and hundreds more are severely injured by lightning strikes annually around the country, the service said. New York City Emergency Management warned of possible severe thunderstorms in the area until at least 9 p.m. ET. 'Main threats are damaging winds and a very small chance of flash flooding and hail. Regardless of severity, all thunderstorms are dangerous. When it roars, go indoors,' emergency officials wrote on X Thursday afternoon. The severe thunderstorm watches for Philadelphia and Washington D.C. will also be lifted at 9 p.m. ET, according to the National Weather Service. The severe weather has forced delays in air travel on the east coast Thursday evening. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has grounded flights until 6 p.m. ET, according to the flight tracking site FlightAware. John F. Kennedy International Airport's inbound flights to New York have been delayed for an average of two and a half hours, FlightAware says. Philadelphia International Airport is experiencing departure delays of more than an hour, according to the flight tracker.
The Independent
12 hours ago
- Climate
- The Independent
Teen struck by lightning in NYC's Central Park as severe weather strikes the east coast
A teenager was struck by lightning in New York City 's Central Park as severe weather swept across the east coast on Thursday. New York City, along with Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., were under severe thunderstorm watches, in the afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service. The service warned of 'large hail, damaging wind, and continuous cloud to ground lightning.' In Manhattan Thursday afternoon, a teenager was struck by lightning, CBS News reported. The outlet's sources say he was standing under a tree when he and the tree were hit. The New York City Fire Department told The Independent the teen was taken to Weill Cornell Medical Center. CBS News reported, citing police, that he had injuries to his neck. Its sources said the teen was in stable condition. The National Weather Service warned people to move inside 'immediately.' 'Lightning is one of nature's leading killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning,' the service said. Lightning strikes about 25 million times a year in the U.S., according to the service. Roughly 20 people are killed and hundreds more are severely injured by lightning strikes annually around the country, the service said. New York City Emergency Management warned of possible severe thunderstorms in the area until at least 9 p.m. ET. 'Main threats are damaging winds and a very small chance of flash flooding and hail. Regardless of severity, all thunderstorms are dangerous. When it roars, go indoors,' emergency officials wrote on X Thursday afternoon. The severe thunderstorm watches for Philadelphia and Washington D.C. will also be lifted at 9 p.m. ET, according to the National Weather Service. The severe weather has forced delays in air travel on the east coast Thursday evening. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has grounded flights until 6 p.m. ET, according to the flight tracking site FlightAware. John F. Kennedy International Airport's inbound flights to New York have been delayed for an average of two and a half hours, FlightAware says. Philadelphia International Airport is experiencing departure delays of more than an hour, according to the flight tracker.
