Last updated at 20:40 18 May 2007

Like a molten thread of white heat, lightning cuts across the grey skies above midtown Manhattan to find the top of the Empire State Building.

The storm yesterday afternoon was part of the latest blast of bad weather to hit New York.

The murky skies and lightning, seen from across the East River in this dramatic picture, were accompaniedby 72mph winds and a deluge which saw an inch of rain fall in nearby Central Park.

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There was no damage to the 1,454ft Empire State Building.

The lightning rod at its very top absorbs such strikes around 100 times a year.

It may not, however, have been such a good day to visit the outdoor viewing gallery on the 86th floor.