In a remarkable turn of events, the Statue of Liberty endured both a lightning strike and a 4.8 magnitude earthquake within less than 48 hours. Social media erupted with videos depicting the centuries-old copper structure shaking as tremors from the earthquake reverberated across the area.
Live cameras positioned throughout New York City, including one atop the Statue of Liberty, captured Friday’s earthquake and subsequent aftershocks in real-time. The epicenter of the initial quake was reported in Lebanon, New Jersey, approximately 50 miles west of Manhattan. Cities including New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston felt the tremors around 10:23 AM local time, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Although footage from various locations in New York City depicted buildings swaying, a camera situated in the Statue of Liberty’s torch provided a unique perspective of the earthquake.
Following the 4.8 magnitude earthquake, several aftershocks were recorded, with the most notable centered in Gladstone, New Jersey, around 6 PM local time. New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued warnings about potential aftershocks, advising people to take cover and hold onto sturdy objects if another quake occurred. CNN quoted her as saying, “If there is an aftershock, people are encouraged to drop and cover and to hold, drop to the floor, cover your neck, and hold onto something that is sturdy.”
Just days prior to the earthquake, on Wednesday, the Statue of Liberty’s torch was struck by lightning during a severe storm that swept through New York City, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and flashes of lightning. Photographer Dan Martland captured the striking visual.
In response to a query from a social media user regarding the timing of the photograph, the photographer explained, “I usually track the weather with apps and head out if it’s looking good. I’ve had times where I’ve been out for eight hours and got nothing. Today was only an hour. The storm passed pretty quick. And the apps showed that there was no more cells coming my way.”
Source: Times Now
