Storm season is approaching in New York. During a thunderstorm, you are generally advised not to stand near trees, telephone poles, or most other outdoor structures. You probably didn’t expect lightning to strike the home you chose to seek shelter in.
However, that is exactly what officials say happened on Monday, when a lightning strike started a fire that destroyed a home in New York.
Summer is New York’s stormiest season, with more thunderstorms producing lightning due to the hot, humid weather. According to NYC.gov, lightning strikes occur at a “moderate” rate in New York State, with 3.8 strikes per square mile annually.
Lightning Strike Destroys House in New York State
WBNG reports that lightning struck a house in Sherburne, Chenango County, on Monday. The Sherburne Fire Department reports that the house was declared a total loss after a fire broke out. Strong thunderstorms hit parts of New York state on Monday and Tuesday.
Lightning Fatalities in New York
According to the National Weather Service, while southern states such as Florida, Texas, and North Carolina have the highest lightning-related fatalities, New York ranks seventh from 1959 to 2016, with 143 reported deaths.
The CDC breaks down more recent data from 2006 to 2021, reiterating the dangers of lightning in New York. According to the New York Times, a 13-year-old boy died after being struck by lightning at Bronx Beach in 2021.
According to WROC, lightning struck three construction workers in Lincoln, New York, in July 2023. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office reports that a 39-year-old man from New York died as a result of his injuries.
