A terrifying moment unfolded in Wayne, New Jersey, on Monday when a delivery driver was nearly struck by lightning during a severe thunderstorm that swept across the Northeast.
The dramatic scene, captured on camera, shows the man leaping backward as a powerful bolt of lightning slams into the ground just feet away sending sparks flying and leaving smoke billowing from the impact site.
The shocking video highlights the extreme and dangerous nature of the storms that hammered the region on Monday, bringing torrential rain, deadly flash floods, and widespread disruption.
In New Jersey alone, two people tragically lost their lives as sudden floods submerged vehicles, inundated roadways, and trapped residents.
According to local reports, the delivery driver had just exited his vehicle when the lightning bolt struck mere feet from where he was standing.
His instinctive reaction to jump away and seek shelter – likely saved his life. Fortunately, he escaped uninjured but visibly shaken by the close call.
The National Weather Service had issued warnings earlier in the day for severe thunderstorms and flash flooding across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and parts of New York.
The storm system brought with it not only intense lightning but also wind gusts exceeding 60 mph and rainfall rates that overwhelmed storm drains within minutes.
In addition to the fatalities, hundreds of flights were canceled at major airports in the region, including Newark Liberty International, as flooding impacted runways and terminals.
Emergency services responded to dozens of water rescues, while thousands of residents were left without power.
Meteorologists warn that this kind of extreme weather may become more frequent as climate change intensifies atmospheric instability across the Eastern U.S.
“This was one of the closest lightning strikes I’ve ever seen caught on camera where the person walked away unharmed,” said Dr. Allison Becker, a meteorologist based in New Jersey.
“It’s a chilling reminder that lightning can strike anywhere, at any time—especially during fast-moving summer storms.”
Officials continue to urge residents to remain indoors during thunderstorms and to avoid floodwaters on roadways.
The video of the lightning strike is now circulating widely online, serving as a dramatic example of the real-time dangers severe weather can pose.
As recovery efforts continue and more storms threaten the region later this week, New Jersey officials have declared a state of emergency in some counties to expedite aid and resources to the hardest-hit communities.