The New York City Blackout of 1977 was a huge electricity blackout that had a huge economic, political and social effect on most of the city between July 13- July 14 1977. As we all know many neighborhoods were affected by this blackout but there were also a few neighborhoods that were not affected by this infamous blackout, such as the southern parts of the city and my hometown in the Rockaways. Everyone remember the blackout because of the hot sweltering nights most residents had to deal with, along without any lights and air conditioners and T.V sets especially in Westchester, and as the night went on things got a lot more Dangerous. (William Laird Siegel). The New York City Blackout of 1977 was extremely memorable than any other blackouts we have had in the great city of New York only because it happened during a severe financial crisis which of course made things a lot worse in parts of the city that were already struggling, which was predominantly African American Neighborhoods. Hundreds fled the darkness to Loot and Vandalize as much as possible, which led to the city's chaos (The Myth of Blackout Looters). But when it was time for recovery the city indeed received financial support but it only showed the world how chaotic the city had become.
The New York City Blackout of 1977 was said to have been caused by a super cell thunderstorm entering the area and with thunderstorms there is lightning, unfortunately lighting struck an electric substation on the Hudson River on the evening of July 13. This tripped major important circuit breakers in Buchanan, NY. Another cause for this infamous blackout event was a second and third lighting strike hitting very important power and transmission lines. (The Blackout and its Causes). Con Edison was and is still supplying power the city of New York City and they tried there all to get the city back on line, but what happened after cause major disappointment and cost the city and the government billions in recovery.