Powerful thunderstorms rolled through the New York metro area Monday and brought thousands of lightning strikes that zapped several structures, in some cases igniting fires.

A fire broke out at a retirement condo building in Manalapan, N.J., after lightning struck there. Rescue crews in Connecticut responded to reports of several people injured by lightning at the Lake of Isles golf course. Nine people were taken to hospitals, according to hospital spokesmen. Their conditions weren't available, but a golf course official said they were expected to be OK.

The golf course's general manager, Archie Cart, said two workers were knocked down on the South Course when lightning struck near them as they headed for shelter, and some other workers who were inside an enclosed, grounded building had to be treated when lightning hit nearby.

Hospital and fire officials said 11 people were taken to area hospitals from the golf course. Some were released, but a precise number could not be determined without patient names.

More than 10,000 homes and businesses throughout the state were without power after thunderstorms tore through the region Monday morning, bringing intense wind gusts that took down trees and wires and caused flooding in local streets and on regional roadways.

At a New Jersey condo, residents said there was a loud pop before they were urged to evacuate. "We heard a crack," said Gracie Domenico. Shortly after that, Domenico's neighbor, Sarah Semaya, knocked on her door to tell her to get out. "It was so strange and so fast," said Semaya. Much of the building's upper floor was lost in the fire.

Forecasters say the amount of lightning seen Monday indicates a very strong storm with a powerful updraft. In Dutchess County, dozens of trees were snapped and debris was tossed so forcefully that weather officials are investigating whether a tornado touched down in that area of Dover.

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Long Island, Westchester, most of New Jersey and Connecticut until 2 p.m.

Forecasters urged residents to take adequate precautions amid the lightning and heavy rain. Rainfall rates of 2 to 3 inches an hour are possible with this storm, which could cause minor flooding of poor drainage areas and pounding in some places.

The rain is expected to move out around noon and the evening commute should be dry, meteorologists said.

Temperatures are supposed to linger in the muggy mid- to high-70s, but the weather should dry out by the afternoon as a cold front moves through.

 

Earth Changes Media


Mitch Battros | 



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