Lightning — Nassau, New York

2002-06-26 · near Bethpage, Nassau, New York

Event narrative

Lightning struck St. Paul's Lutheran Church on Stewart Avenue in Bethpage. It quickly ignited a fire that spread from the attic down and caused the roof to collapse. "The Bethpage Fire Chief said 14 fire fighters were injured, half of them during a partial roof collapse. Seven fire fighters hurt in the collapse suffered burns and bruises from falling debris. The others were felled by heat exhaustion. All of these fire fighters were taken to hospitals for treatment. Ten fire departments assisted Bethpage in fighting this fire.

Wider weather episode

As severe thunderstorms moved across the region, they produced high winds, frequent and dangerous lightning strikes, and heavy rain. High winds downed many trees and power lines across the region. The dangerous combination of heavy rain, high winds, and lightning produced flash floods and widespread power outages due to fallen trees and power lines across the northeast Bronx, including City Island. Additionally, at least 4 cars were crushed by fallen trees in the lower Pelham Gardens area.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5309818. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.