One World Trade Centre Hit by Lightning: Dramatic Video Shows Lightning Strike on US Tallest Building in NYC
A lightning bolt struck One World Trade Centre early Thursday morning, March 12, as storms swept through New York City in the US. The strike on the 1,776-foot spire was caught on camera, showcasing the building's lightning protection system in action. No damage was reported as temperatures in the DMV and NYC regions began to plunge following the storm.
New York, March 12: A powerful bolt of lightning struck the spire of One World Trade Centre early Thursday morning, March 12, providing a dramatic visual as a line of thunderstorms moved through the Tri-State area. The strike, which occurred during the early hours of March 12, was captured by weather cameras and local observers, showing the electrical discharge connecting directly with the tip of the nation's tallest skyscraper. While the event appeared intense, the building's sophisticated lightning protection system functioned as intended, with no reports of damage or injuries.
The strike occurred as a fast-moving cold front triggered scattered thunderstorms across New York City and its surrounding boroughs. Standing at a symbolic 1,776 feet, the One World Trade Centre spire is specifically designed to act as a massive lightning rod, safeguarding both the tower and the surrounding Lower Manhattan area. Meteorologists noted that while such strikes are common for the landmark, the clarity of the Thursday morning bolt made it a viral sensation on social media platforms. DC Weather Update: Rain-Snow Mix and Plunging Temperatures Expected on March 12, Check Details.
Video Shows Lightning Strike on US Tallest Building in NYC
One World Trade Centre Hit by Lightning
One World Trade Centre is engineered to withstand frequent electrical strikes. Its spire is equipped with a state-of-the-art protection system that includes a series of copper cables designed to channel millions of volts of electricity safely into the ground. This "Faraday cage" effect prevents the electrical current from entering the building’s sensitive electronic systems or harming its occupants.
According to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the tower is struck by lightning dozens of times each year. These occurrences are anticipated during the design phase of any supertall structure, particularly those that dominate a city's skyline like the Freedom Tower. Winter Weather Advisory: Is the US Facing a Major Snowstorm?
The Thursday morning storm was part of a larger weather system that brought plummeting temperatures and gusty winds to the Northeast. In addition to the lightning in New York City, the front caused brief but heavy downpours and led to minor flight delays at LaGuardia and Newark Liberty International airports.
As the cold front passed, temperatures in Manhattan began a sharp decline, dropping nearly 15 degrees in just a few hours. Residents were advised to prepare for a much colder afternoon as the storm clouds cleared to make way for clear, frigid skies.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 12, 2026 08:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).