Wild Video Shows Rare ‘Thundersnow’ Lightning Strike World Trade Center

A powerful winter storm turned the New York City skyline into something out of a disaster movie overnight — as lightning struck the top of One World Trade Center during a rare phenomenon known as thundersnow.

Jaw-dropping video shared by AccuWeather shows multiple bolts of lightning slicing through dark, snow-packed skies over Lower Manhattan before striking 1 World Trade Center, the tallest building in the city.

Each blinding flash was followed by booming thunder — an eerie sound to hear during a blizzard.

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:

Thundersnow in New York City striking One World Trade Center⚡️ ❄️ pic.twitter.com/rT6cRZlS28

— AccuWeather (@accuweather) February 23, 2026

The rare weather event, known as thundersnow, happens when lightning and thunder occur during heavy snowfall instead of rain. It’s typically only seen during the most intense winter systems, including powerful nor’easters like the one currently hammering the Northeast.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, thundersnow requires a specific mix of atmospheric moisture and unstable, rising air — conditions more commonly associated with tropical storms.

“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,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Tom Kines said.

But experts warn that just because it’s snow instead of rain doesn’t make the lightning any less dangerous.

The dramatic light show unfolded as Winter Storm Hernando dumped staggering snowfall totals across the region. Parts of the tri-state area reported up to 30 inches of snow, while New York City saw well over 20 inches in some neighborhoods.

The storm prompted states of emergency across all five boroughs of New York City, multiple New York counties and the entire state of New Jersey.