This is the awe-inspiring moment a fork of lightning directly hits the One World Trade Center in Manhattan leaving the photographer temporarily deaf and blind.

The famous New York skyline is ignited by the mesmerising electrical storm, which lights up the evening sky in a week of unprecedented weather in the city.

The 1,776 feet high tip of the famous building takes a direct hit, in a split-second dramatic moment caught on camera in an amazing landscape image by photographer Zohaib Anjum.

And in video footage of the amazing storm which hit the city on Sunday (April 2), the sheer scale of the noise and light created by the natural phenomenon can be witnessed.

Zohaib, who had travelled from his home in Dubai on a two-week trip, was thrilled to capture the breathtaking image from a rooftop on Broadway. And the power of the storm rendered the photographer temporarily deaf and blind due to its sheer intensity.

“A storm was predicted to hit, but my friend arranged a rooftop in Manhattan for us. As I prayed for a lightning strike, it happened! I was left deaf and blinded for a second or two but managed to capture the moment. Dreams do come true!

“It takes hard work, dedication, and a bit of luck to accomplish what we set our hearts on.

“But the feeling of achieving it is indescribable,” said Zohaib, 36.

The renowned landscape photographer has previously captured images of lightning on other cityscapes, and when the weather forecast predicted a storm he hoped that he would get the chance in Manhattan.

He added: “As a photographer, I've always chased powerful moments.

“Capturing lightning at the top of Burj Khalifa was a dream achieved, and now I can add the WTC Tower in New York to my portfolio. Nature has a way of lending its hand and I feel grateful for it.”

Severe weather warnings have been in effect in Manhattan this week, with further dramatic electrical storms predicted, which could produce damaging winds and lightning.

Originally known as the Freedom Tower, One World Trade Center was designed by David Childs, and was completed in 2013.

Currently the tallest structure in North America and the Western Hemisphere, One World Trade Center was built on the site of the former Twin Towers, which were destroyed in the 9/11 terrorist attack.

This is the awe inspiring moment that a fork of lightning directly hits the One World Trade Center in Manhattan leaving the photographer temporarily deaf and blind.

The famous New York skyline is ignited by the mesmerising electrical storm, which lights up the evening sky in a week of unprecedented weather in the city.

The 1,776 feet high tip of the famous building takes a direct hit, in a split second dramatic moment caught on camera in an amazing landscape image by photographer Zohaib Anjum.

And in video footage of the amazing storm which hit the city on Sunday (April 2), the sheer scale of the noise and light created by the natural phenomenon can be witnessed.

Zohaib, who had travelled from his home in Dubai on a two week trip, was thrilled to capture the breathtaking image from a rooftop on Broadway. And the power of the storm rendered the photographer temporarily deaf and blind due to its sheer intensity.

“A storm was predicted to hit, but my friend arranged a rooftop in Manhattan for us. As I prayed for lightning strike, it happened! I was left deaf and blinded for a second or two but managed to capture the moment. Dreams do come true!

“It takes hard work, dedication, and a bit of luck to accomplish what we set our hearts on.

“But the feeling of achieving it is indescribable.” Said Zohaib, 36.

The renowned landscape photographer has previously captured images of lightning on other cityscapes, and when the weather forecast predicted a storm he hoped that he would get the chance in Manhattan.

He added: “As a photographer, I've always chased powerful moments.

“Capturing lightning at the top of Burj Khalifa was a dream achieved, and now I can add the WTC Tower in New York to my portfolio. Nature has a way of lending its hand and I feel grateful for it.”

Severe weather warnings have been in effect in Manhattan this week, with further dramatic electrical storms predicted, which could produce damaging winds and lightning.

Originally known as the Freedom Tower, One World Trade Center was designed by David Childs, and was completed in 2013.

Currently the tallest structure in North America and the Western Hemisphere, One World Trade Center was built on the site of the former Twin Towers, which were destroyed in the 9/11 terrorist attack.

ENDS