Boy struck by lightning as severe thunderstorms hit Northeast
Severe thunderstorms swept through the Northeast on Thursday, putting cities like Richmond, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City on high alert. The threat of severe weather prompted a severe thunderstorm watch along the I-95 corridor until 9 p.m., affecting around 60 million people.
The National Weather Service issued severe thunderstorm warnings in several areas, including southeastern Pennsylvania. The storms brought the potential for damaging wind gusts up to 75 mph, along with the possibility of hail and tornadoes.
In a particularly alarming incident, a teenager in New York City was struck by lightning in Central Park. The boy was in the park’s East Meadow area near East 100th Street and Fifth Avenue when the lightning struck. Fortunately, he remained conscious and alert following the incident.
The severe weather also caused power outages and flight cancellations across the East Coast. Over 500,000 customers in the Mid-Atlantic region were without power, with Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland being the most affected areas. Additionally, nearly 600 flights were canceled nationwide, with LaGuardia Airport in New York experiencing the most significant disruptions.
The intense storms and their aftermath serve as a stark reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature. It is essential for residents in affected areas to stay informed and take necessary precautions during severe weather events to ensure their safety.
As the Northeast braced for more severe weather, the resilience of communities and the swift response of emergency services were crucial in minimizing the impact of the storms. ABC News’ Melissa Griffin provided valuable contributions to this report, highlighting the importance of accurate and timely reporting during weather emergencies.
