New York man struck by lightning at his doorstep during heavy rain

A New York man narrowly survived a terrifying lightning strike just a few steps from his home during a powerful rainstorm with the shocking moment captured by a doorbell camera.

NEW YORK: A New York man narrowly survived a terrifying lightning strike just a few steps from his home during a powerful rainstorm with the shocking moment captured by a doorbell camera.

The incident occurred in Staten Island, New York when Thomas Fahmy left his home to visit a dentist. As heavy rain and a storm continued, Fahmy was walking towards his car while holding an umbrella.

Suddenly, lightning struck the umbrella he was carrying, sending him crashing to the ground near the entrance of his home. The dramatic incident was recorded by a doorbell camera installed outside the house.

The footage shows a flash of lightning striking Fahmy’s umbrella in a matter of seconds. He immediately fell to the ground but, fortunately managed to get back on his feet shortly afterwards.

Fahmy later described the experience as extremely painful. He said the electric shock spread throughout his body and caused intense tingling, numbness, pain and a burning sensation. He described it as one of the most severe burning sensations he had ever experienced.

Doorbell camera captures dramatic moments when a New York man is struck by lightning pic.twitter.com/QJ4lTyiSkQ

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Fortunately, Fahmy did not lose consciousness following the lightning strike. A neighbor helped him and took him to a hospital, where doctors kept him under observation for around 24 hours.

Fahmy was later discharged after doctors determined that his condition had returned to normal.

Following the frightening experience Fahmy shared a message encouraging people to appreciate life. He urged others to smile breathe in fresh air and avoid allowing difficulties to overwhelm them.

In a light-hearted twist Fahmy bought a Mega Millions lottery ticket the day after surviving the lightning strike.

Recent lightning incidents in the US

Lightning-related incidents have been reported in several parts of the United States in recent months with some resulting in fatalities.

In Florida, a man reportedly died after being struck by lightning while riding a jet ski. In another incident in Margate, a woman and her young child were struck by lightning.

Elsewhere, a mother and her son suffered severe burns after being struck by lightning while camping near Lake Superior in Illinois.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lightning strikes the ground approximately 37 million times each year in the United States. However, the chance of an individual being struck by lightning is less than one in a million.

The CDC also estimates that around 90 percent of people who are struck by lightning survive although many survivors can suffer serious injuries and long-term health effects.