2 hurt by lightning at Coney Island hot dog eating contest as storms pummel Northeast on 4th of July
Two people were hospitalized from a lightning strike as strong thunderstorms swept through during the iconic hot dog eating contest at Coney Island.
Lightning causes weather delay at 2023 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island
Strong thunderstorms have forced at least a delay but may have canceled the men's division of the famous Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island, New York.
NEW YORK – Two people were injured by a lightning strike near the iconic Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island New York, Tuesday afternoon as strong thunderstorms with frequent lightning swept across the New York City area.
Firefighters and medics were called to the beach at Coney Island after receiving a 911 call of a lightning strike. There, they found two people who suffered injuries from a lightning strike, a New York Fire Department spokesperson told FOX Weather. The two were taken to a Brooklyn hospital, but the extent of their injuries was not given.
Lightning safety expert weighs in on thunderstorm that left 2 injured after they were struck on Coney Island beach
National Lightning Safety Council's Chris Vagasky joined FOX Weather to talk about how to stay safe in thunderstorms in the wake of the incident at Coney Island on the 4th of July that left two injured from a lightning strike.
The storms also put an hours-long delay on the hot-dog eating festivities.
FOX Weather meteorologist Amy Freeze was a judge in the women’s event, which was able to finish. However, the strong thunderstorm with frequent lightning moved in before the men’s competition.
Ominous clouds approach Coney Island in New York City on July 4, 2023.
(Madison Olms)
According to a report from FOX 5 in New York, the contest was delayed for about two hours because of the storms moving through the area, and it was believed that the rest of the event would be canceled.
However, the storms moved through, and the competitors were able to get back on the stage and finish the contest.
Storms delay Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest
Heavy rain drenched those in Coney Island waiting to watch Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest on Tuesday.
Joey Chestnut won and picked up his 16th Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest after devouring 62 hot dogs in 10 minutes. Earlier in the day, Miki Sudo secured her ninth history after eating 39.5 hot dogs in 10 minutes.
In Boston, guests waiting on the Esplanade for the famous Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular were asked to evacuate and seek shelter due to an incoming storm. Guests were told that they would be allowed to reenter the area when it was safe to do so.
Heavy rains prompt Flood Watches from New York City to Boston area Tuesday
(FOX Weather)
The drenching rains prompted Flood Watches Tuesday that covered millions from New York City north into the Boston area. The National Weather Service in Boston had also issued Flash Flood Warnings for northern Connecticut because of the heavy rain.
Videos and photos posted to social media show vehicles attempting to drive over water-covered roadways.
Drier weather was in store for the area Wednesday.