New York’s iconic Empire State Building was struck by a lightning bolt during an epic electric storm Monday - and cameras caught it all.
Much of the east coast was rocked by thunderstorms bringing all four seasons to the Big Apple in one July afternoon.
Instagram user @Casey2Cooke captured the superb contrast in weather conditions before and after the lightning strike with ominous storm clouds giving way to a dazzling rainbow.
On average the Empire State Building takes a lightning hit about 23 times a year. Its part-metal exterior helps to conduct electricity.
And let’s face it, this American landmark has endured harsher treatment than this, from alien incinerations to King Kong using it as a climbing frame.