Rare Thundersnow Lightning Strikes World Trade Center in Stunning Video

Stunning Video Captures Rare ‘Thundersnow’ Lightning Strike at World Trade Center Amid NYC Blizzard

Overnight, a rare weather phenomenon known as “thundersnow” lit up the skies above New York City, as a blizzard dumped more than 20 inches of snow across the city.

Multiple bolts of lightning pierced the dark, snow-filled skies over Lower Manhattan, striking 1 World Trade Center, the tallest building in the Big Apple, according to video shared by AccuWeather on Monday.

Each brilliant flash was followed by the rumble of thunder, creating a spectacular and unusual winter storm display.

Thundersnow in New York City striking One World Trade Center⚡️ ❄️ pic.twitter.com/7U8ABNucXp

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) February 23, 2026

Thundersnow Lights Up NYC During Historic Blizzard

Thundersnow — a rare thunderstorm that occurs during snowfall rather than rain — typically appears only in the strongest winter storms, such as this powerful nor’easter.

The phenomenon requires a mix of moisture above the Earth’s surface and instability in upward-moving air, similar to conditions found in a tropical storm, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Thundersnow is often accompanied by rapidly accumulating snowfall.

“When you get these rapidly intensifying storms, it’s not that uncommon to have that take place,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Tom Kines. “It’s pretty neat if you’re in the area — it’s snowing really hard, and you’re seeing the lightning and hearing the thunder. It’s pretty odd.”

However, Kines warns that snow-covered lightning is just as dangerous as lightning during a rainstorm.

Parts of the tri-state area saw up to 30 inches of snow as Winter Storm Hernando battered the Northeast on Sunday and Monday. New York City’s five boroughs, multiple New York counties, and the entire state of New Jersey are under a state of emergency.

Rare Thundersnow Lightning Strikes World Trade Center in Stunning Video

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Rare Thundersnow Lightning Strikes World Trade Center in Stunning Video

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