Man Struck by Lightning in Northport

A Northport man was struck by lightning Sunday night in front of his home on Ocean Avenue, Northport police said Monday.

Jonathan Borriello, a 29-year-old male, was struck by lightning in front of his home about 10:38 p.m.  He went out to his front porch to get a better view of the thunderstorm and realized the U.S. flag was still being displayed. He took the flag down and placed it on the porch.  He remained on the porch and a moment later, a tree about 11 feet away, was struck by a bolt of lightning. The bolt ricocheted and struck him on the left shoulder and arm, and he was thrown about 20 feet.  

The Northport Police and Fire Departments responded to the scene.  Police  observed burn marks to the victim’s hands and he complained of tingling in his legs.  According to Northport Fire Department Chief John Jacobsen, Borriello was transported to Huntington Hospital via Northport Fire Rescue with non-life threating injuries.  He was treated and released from the hospital.

The police said the victim later aid that at the moment the bolt struck, he saw a white light and crashing sound, and then he was on the ground.  He also reported that there are embers on the porch where he was standing.

The Northport Police would like to remind everyone that thunderstorms can be very dangerous and that you should remain inside a secure structure until the storm has passed.

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