"The brunt of the storm itself was intense but short -- there was very strong rain and wind for about 15 minutes, at which point the rain cleared and the lightning show began, " said Matthew Burke, a CNN iReporter who photographed lightning sprawling across the New York City skyline.

CNN: N.Y. state official among 3 killed during powerful storms

In the day's other game involving an African team, Burkina Faso secured a 1-1 draw with New Zealand in a match which had to be suspended at one point because of torrential rain in Enugu.

BBC: Gambia lose, Burkina draw at U17

Hail and heavy rain pelted the metro area to the point that emergency workers had trouble responding to "widespread" reports of injuries.

NPR: 2 Dead When Tornado Hits Oklahoma City Area

Following Benkenstein's dismissal, Ian Blackwell and Di Venuto steered Durham to their first bonus point of the match before rain stopped play with 51 overs of the day remaining.

BBC: Di Venuto and the weather combine to stymie Yorkshire

At one point the sound and the volume of the rain was so intense that everyone stopped their conversations and stared at pools of water that were rapidly building up near the edges.

FORBES: SoFi's New Take on $1 Trillion Student Loan Market

As the floodlights came on amidst the torrential rain it seemed the visitors were fired up to acquire at least a point from this lively affair.

BBC: Wolves 2-1 Stoke

Heavy rains in the region -- nearly 11 inches of rain have fallen in the last 30 hours in Houston, and more than 9 inches have drenched Salt Point in southeast Louisiana -- kept flood warnings and watches alive.

CNN: Texas governor views flood damage