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Lightning Strikes Empire State Building

By Amy Zimmer | June 22, 2012 5:55pm
Lightning struck the Empire State Building on Friday, June 22, 2012.
Lightning struck the Empire State Building on Friday, June 22, 2012.
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Twitter/Keith Olbermann

MANHATTAN — When the thundering skies opened Friday afternoon, a bolt of lightning struck the Empire State Building.

Awed onlookers took to Twitter, including media personality Keith Olbermann, who tweeted, "Touchdown! Vivid thunderstorm connects with the Empire State Building."

The building, with its iconic spire, was designed to serve as a lightning rod for the area, according to PBS. It is reportedly struck by lightning roughly 100 times a year.

"Wow! Guessing a lot of you saw/heard that!," the Empire State Building's official Twitter account posted in response to Olbermann.

A severe thunderstorm watch remained in effect for New York City for Friday until 9 p.m., the National Weather Service said.

Showers and thunderstorms were likely before midnight. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rains.

The National Weather Service said the chance of precipitation was 60 percent.