Brooklyn, New York – A 76-year-old woman tragically died in Brooklyn when a solar panel was ripped off a roof by the nor’easter sweeping through the New York City area on Monday. The powerful gusts sent the panel hurtling into the streets, striking the elderly woman.
Fatal Accident Details
The massive solar panel, measuring over 7-by-3 feet, was mounted on a structure in an outdoor parking lot on Ocean Parkway near Brighton Beach Avenue, according to the NYPD and the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB).
Wind gusts lifted the panel approximately 20 feet, hitting Lyudmila Braun, who lived just five blocks away. She was knocked to the ground and transported to NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn, where she was pronounced dead. Authorities described her death as a freak accident.
Storm Conditions at the Time
A citywide Wind Advisory was in effect during the storm, with the National Weather Service (NWS) warning of winds between 20–30 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph, capable of turning unsecured objects into dangerous projectiles.
The DOB issued a partial vacate order for the parking lot beneath the solar panel structure and is conducting an ongoing investigation. Additional enforcement actions are pending.
In the interest of public safety, the DOB collaborated with the MTA to temporarily close an entrance to the Ocean Parkway Q train station nearby during the storm, as per The Post.
Broader Storm Impact
The nor’easter prompted state emergency declarations for New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County on Sunday, bringing severe winds, steady rain, large waves, and coastal flooding.
- The strongest wind gusts in the metro area reached 71 mph in Barnegat, New Jersey.
- Wave heights along the Jersey Shore and Long Island reached 10 to 20 feet, causing substantial coastal flooding.
- Rainfall totals in New York and New Jersey ranged from 1–2 inches, while southern states were heavily impacted:
- Georgetown, South Carolina: over 10 inches
- Oyster Landing, SC: over 9 inches
- Pawleys Island, SC: 8 inches
- Whiteville, NC: 4 inches
The storm began moving out to sea Monday evening and is expected to largely clear by Tuesday, though gusty winds and cooler temperatures may linger, according to Fox Weather meteorologist Cody Braud.
Were you affected by the NYC nor’easter or the strong winds this week? Share your experiences and safety tips in the comments below.
