Lightning in Nassau County, New York

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.

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.