Watching a storm heading our way via a quick Google search for "weather beacon ny" and being in one are two very different experiences. Plus, sometimes, you're in a pocket that the storm misses. Last week, Beacon, Fishkill, Poughkeepsie and other areas in the Hudson Valley were in the belly of the storm, electricity striking down, injuring some, and reminding us to have a lightning protocol: what to do when you're surrounded by the zapping white lights.

Friday Afternoon's Lightning Bolt at 4:06pm

Not to be confused with the other dangerous storm, a single bolt of lightning struck in Poughkeepsie at Mansion Square Park, penetrating through five people seated at a park bench, details of which can be found in this New York Times article. While at a weekend pool party, a person who works in Hopewell Junction spoke of a brownout, or dimming of the lights, that happened around the same time that the lightning bolt struck in Poughkeepsie.

The Takeaway?

Lightning is serious, so if it's heading toward you, get somewhere safe - usually the basement. However, with the recent flash flooding in the area, water has gotten into many homeowners' basements. Being that electricity travels through water, be mindful of water in your basement, even puddles! In our house, we just stayed in a hallway that had no windows, because practically every room in our house does have windows, and our basement has had water trickling in from the heavy rains. (Note to self: Get gutters... We actually don't have any.) Staying safe can be tricky, but you're worth it!