Teen Injured by Lightning in Central Park Storm

A 15-year-old boy was struck by lightning in Central Park near East 100th Street and Fifth Avenue on Thursday afternoon during a severe thunderstorm. Officials report that lightning struck a tree and the electrical current traveled to the teen through his metal chain necklace. He suffered minor burns and neck injuries but was alert, conscious, and transported in stable condition to NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. The incident took place as violent storms swept the Northeast, causing over 500,000 power outages and major travel disruptions. Experts emphasize that lightning strikes, while rare, remain a leading weather-related hazard, highlighting the importance of seeking shelter during thunderstorms. The teen is expected to recover, and the event underscores the dangers of being outdoors during severe weather.