On Wednesday around 5 p.m., a lightning strike at High Tor State Park in New City injured three people. The incident occurred as a fast-moving storm swept through the area while the victims were having a picnic.
As the storm intensified, the group ran to their vehicles for cover. However, a man and a woman stayed behind to secure their tent, which was being battered by strong winds. Another man, who was in a car with his wife and daughter, ran out to assist.
Witnesses reported that the lightning was loud and struck the tent as well as several nearby trees, stripping them of their bark. The three victims sustained burn marks on their hands and arms but were responsive and able to talk when emergency responders arrived.
The victims were taken to Montefiore Nyack Hospital and are expected to make a full recovery. This incident occurred as severe thunderstorms moved through the region, causing tree damage in parts of Rockland and Westchester counties.