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Congressional Staffer Thomas Fahmy Survives Lightning Strike in Staten Island

Congressional Staffer Thomas Fahmy Survives Lightning Strike in Staten Island

Thomas Fahmy, a staffer for Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), miraculously survived a lightning strike in Staten Island, New York. The incident, which occurred last Thursday, was captured on surveillance footage from his own doorbell camera. Fahmy was walking along Todt Hill Road, approximately 15 to 25 feet from his car, when the lightning bolt struck, causing him to collapse to the pavement. Despite the dramatic event, Fahmy remained conscious and described experiencing an intense burning sensation, tingling, numbness, and severe pain in both feet. He was rushed to Northwell Staten Island University Hospital, where he was kept overnight for evaluation but was discharged the following day with no major injuries or visible burns.
1Weather 1Weather
Man Survives Lightning Strike in Staten Island, New York

Man Survives Lightning Strike in Staten Island, New York

A 24-year-old man, Thomas Fahmy, survived a lightning strike in Staten Island, New York, on August 27, 2026. Fahmy was stepping out of his home in the Ocean Breeze neighborhood to visit the dentist when he was struck by a bolt of lightning. The incident, captured on a home security camera, showed him collapsing to the ground in a fiery flash. Despite the intense burning sensation and pain in his feet, Fahmy remained conscious and managed to seek help from a neighbor. Emergency responders transported him to Northwell Staten Island University Hospital, where he was monitored overnight and released the following day without any severe injuries. Fahmy, a staffer for U.S. Representative Nicole Malliotakis, expressed gratitude for his survival and reflected on the experience as life-changing. According to the U.S. National Weather Service, the odds of being struck by lightning in a given year are approximately one in 1.2 million.
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Staten Island Man Survives Lightning Strike Near His Car

Staten Island Man Survives Lightning Strike Near His Car

Thomas Fahmy, a Staten Island resident and congressional staffer, survived a lightning strike while walking along Todt Hill Road near Windsor Road last Thursday. Surveillance footage captured the moment he collapsed to the ground, just 15 to 25 feet from his car. Fahmy described the sensation as an intense burning, tingling, and severe pain in his feet. Despite the shock, he remained conscious and sought help from a nearby home. He was taken to Northwell Staten Island University Hospital, monitored overnight, and released the next day without major injuries. This incident occurred amid a series of lightning strikes across the U.S., some of which have been fatal. According to the CDC, lightning strikes the ground in the U.S. approximately 37 million times annually, with a survival rate of nearly 90%. (Source time: 2026-09-01T19:42:20.691000+00:00)
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Monroe County urges residents to prepare for storms, tornadoes

Monroe County urges residents to prepare for storms, tornadoes

Monroe County officials are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel, prepare for possible power outages and stay alert for weather warnings.
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Kingston Lawmakers Approve Temporary Burn Bans During High Wildfire Danger

Kingston Lawmakers Approve Temporary Burn Bans During High Wildfire Danger

The Kingston Common Council in New York has unanimously voted 7-0 to implement temporary citywide burn bans. These bans will be enacted during periods when the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) designates the wildfire risk as 'high' or above. The legislation prohibits all outdoor fires, including bonfires, campfires, warming fires, outdoor fireplaces and chimneys, and open cooking fires. Exemptions are made for outdoor propane and charcoal grills and BBQ smokers. The DEC's wildfire risk map uses a color-coded system with ratings including low, moderate, high, very high, and extreme. A 'high fire danger' classification signifies conditions where fine fuels ignite easily, and fires spread rapidly, often becoming difficult to control. Council members Michael Ham, D-Ward 7, and Ruth Katz, D-Ward 8, were absent during the vote. The initiative aims to mitigate wildfire risks within the city.
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
How long will the severe storms last in New York? What to know

How long will the severe storms last in New York? What to know

Severe thunderstorms are moving across Western and Central New York, bringing threats of damaging winds, hail, isolated tornadoes and flooding. Here's when the worst weather is expected to end Wednesday night.
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Tornado warning issued for Rochester area

Tornado warning issued for Rochester area

A radar-confirmed tornado prompted a warning for parts of Monroe, Genesee and Orleans counties through 7:30 p.m.
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Hochul urges caution as severe storms, tornado threat hit New York

Hochul urges caution as severe storms, tornado threat hit New York

Gov. Kathy Hochul is urging New Yorkers to stay alert and use caution as severe thunderstorms bring the threat of damaging winds, heavy rain, hail and isolated tornadoes to parts of the state.
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Severe Weather Watches and Marine Forecast for Lake Erie

Severe Weather Watches and Marine Forecast for Lake Erie

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a detailed marine forecast for Lake Erie, highlighting active severe weather watches and changing wind patterns. A Tornado Watch is in effect until 11 PM EDT tonight for areas near Ripley, NY, while a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is active until midnight EDT for other parts of the lake. Showers and thunderstorms, some potentially severe with damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes, are expected this evening. Winds will generally range from 5 to 15 knots, with wave heights varying between 1 and 3 feet depending on the location and time. A cold front is expected to move southward on Thursday evening, followed by a ridge of high pressure building from the north into the weekend.
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
When will storms hit New York? Here's when severe weather is expected Wednesday

When will storms hit New York? Here's when severe weather is expected Wednesday

Several rounds of thunderstorms are expected Wednesday, with the greatest risk for severe weather from late afternoon through the evening and some storms potentially continuing overnight.
Westchester County Journal News Westchester County Journal News
FDNY firefighter tells 9/11 survival story 25 years later | Exclusive

FDNY firefighter tells 9/11 survival story 25 years later | Exclusive

The firefighters of Engine Co. 39 have gotten together over the years to tell how they survived the collapse on 9/11. Except for one.
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Man Survives Lightning Strike in Staten Island, USA

Man Survives Lightning Strike in Staten Island, USA

Thomas Fahmy, a Staten Island resident, survived a lightning strike while walking along Todt Hill Road near Windsor Road during severe weather last Thursday. Surveillance footage captured the moment he collapsed to the ground after being struck, just 15 to 25 feet from his car. Despite experiencing intense pain and numbness, Fahmy managed to get back on his feet and sought help from a nearby home. He was later hospitalised at Northwell Staten Island University Hospital for overnight monitoring and released the following day. Fahmy, who works for U.S. Representative Nicole Malliotakis, expressed gratitude for surviving the incident and shared his renewed appreciation for life.