Massive Lightning Bolt Stuns Long Island, Leaves Residents in Awe

A retired firefighter in Bayport, Long Island, captured a lightning bolt spanning nearly 10 miles, stunning residents and going viral online. The strike shook homes, lit up the night sky, and triggered widespread reactions—ranging from awe to worry—about the growing intensity of extreme weather events.

A dramatic lightning strike over Bayport, Long Island, has left locals amazed and unsettled after a retired firefighter captured the moment on video. The bolt, estimated to stretch nearly 10 miles, lit up the night sky and spread quickly across social media platforms.

Retired FDNY firefighter Kenny Gunther recorded the phenomenon from his bedroom window. He explained that moments earlier another strike had been powerful enough to shake his house. Grabbing his phone, he set it on the windowsill to capture what would become one of the longest lightning bolts he had ever seen.

The video was later shared by Islandwide Weather on Facebook, where it was described as one of the most striking bolts ever recorded on Long Island. Gunther admitted that the size of the lightning was so massive it could not be fully captured within the frame. He estimated it stretched well beyond what he managed to film.

Online reactions poured in, with viewers expressing awe and disbelief. Some said the bolt lit up their entire homes, while others compared the sudden flash to an explosion. Several described how outdoor lights flickered as the storm rumbled across the island.

For many, the display was a rare spectacle of nature’s power, but it also sparked concern. One commenter remarked, “Not sure this is a good sign for Earth,” reflecting a mix of wonder and unease about the increasing intensity of weather events.

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The incident has since become a trending topic, showcasing both the beauty and unpredictability of extreme weather. For Gunther, the recording stands as an unforgettable reminder of how quickly nature can turn a quiet evening into a dramatic event.