This is the amazing moment lightning struck directly into Manhattan’s One World Trade Center, temporarily deafening and blinding the photographer.
Zohaib Anjum, 34, took photos and video footage of lights hitting the top of the tower and at one point spreading into purple tree branches.
Footage of the 1,776-foot building was captured Sunday during a storm after tornadoes swept through the South and West over the weekend.
Anjum, who traveled from his home in Dubai for a two-week trip, took the stunning images from a rooftop terrace on Broadway.
He said: “A storm was predicted to come, but my friend found us a roof in Manhattan. As I prayed for lightning to strike, it did!
Zohaib Anjum, 34, took photos and video footage of lights hitting the top of the tower from a rooftop on Broadway on Sunday.
Pictured: The One World Trade Center in Manhattan (file photo)
“I remained deaf and blind for a few seconds but managed to capture the moment. Dreams come true!’
The photographer added: “It takes hard work, dedication and a bit of luck to achieve what we set out to do.
“But the feeling of achieving it is indescribable.”
Anjum has previously featured images of lightning in other cityscapes, such as B. Ain Dubai, the tallest Ferris wheel in the world.
When the weather forecast called for a storm, he hoped he would get a chance to take some incredible photos in Manhattan.
Anjum said, “As a photographer, I have always chased powerful moments.
The footage of the lightning striking the 576 meter tall building was taken during a storm. Anjum said, “I was deaf and blind for a few seconds, but I managed to capture the moment. Dreams come true!’
In a photo by resident Zohaib Anjum, three bolts of lightning appear to have struck Dubai’s Burj Khalifa.
“Capturing the lightning on Burj Khalifa was a dream come true and now I can add the WTC tower in New York to my portfolio. Nature likes to help me and I am grateful for that.”
Burj Khalifa in Dubai stands at 850 meters. It holds a number of records, including the tallest building in the world, the highest occupied floor in the world and the highest number of floors in the world.
It was designed by Chicago-based architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.
Originally known as the Freedom Tower, One World Trade Center was designed by David Childs and completed in 2013.
Currently the tallest building in North America and the Western Hemisphere, One World Trade Center was built on the site of the former Twin Towers that were destroyed in the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Severe weather warnings are in effect in Manhattan this week, with more dramatic thunderstorms predicted to bring damaging gusts and lightning.
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
