Summer 1977 is a lowpoint for New York City. Its government is deep in debt, municipal workers are being laid off en masse, and public anxiety is peaking as the “Son of Sam” serial killer makes headlines, leaving letters at crime scenes, taunting the police.

On this night, with a heat wave setting in, a lightning storm wreaks havoc on the electrical grid. Poor communication between grid operators contributes to the system shutting down and a citywide blackout for the rest of the night.

Mobs roam the streets throughout the boroughs, vandalizing buildings, looting businesses and starting over 1000 fires — destroying entire blocks in Brooklyn. Thieves steal 50 new Pontiacs from a Bronx car dealership. Jails are overcrowded as police arrest over 4000.

The power is restored the next day.