As shown, a vast blackout in New York City did happen on 13th July 1977...this was actually caused by 3 separate lightning strikes hitting different locations between 8.37 & 8.59 pm .This caused Circuirt breakers to trip & Transmission line cables to burn out - resulting in a wave of looting & rioting -with over 3,500 arrests. It took nearly 25 hours to get New York 'back on line'