Weather - When Lightning Strikes
Lightning comes from the buildup and release of electrical energy between positively and negatively charged areas. Lightning usually happens inside a cloud or between a cloud and the ground. The good thing about lightning is that it helps nature by putting nitrogen in the ground for plants to use.
A thunderstorm is a storm with lightning and thunder, usually with gusty winds, heavy rain and sometimes hail. All thunderstorms are dangerous, causing about 93 deaths a year and millions in property damage. About 10% of the thunderstorms that happen each year in the US are severe. A thunderstorm is considered severe if it produces hail at least 3/4 inch in diameter (that's about size of a large marble), winds more than 58mph or tornadoes.
Now you must know by now that standing out in an open field during a lightning storm is bad news. Lightning will strike the highest thing on a flat surface - that could be you. And although a lot of surfers like to hang-ten during a storm - to catch the wicked waves it creates - that too is a death wish. Lightning is attracted to water and if you're surfing it'll be attracted to you. Many surfers die because of lightning strikes.
Myths and Facts
Myth: If it is not raining, then there is no danger from lightning.
Fact: Lightning often strikes away from the heavy rain even up to 10 miles away from the thunderstorm cloud!
Myth: The rubber soles of shoes or rubber tires on a car will protect you from being struck by lightning.
Fact: Rubber soled shoes and rubber tires provide no protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped car offers better protection if you are not touching any interior metal objects. Even if you are hit, it is safer inside a car than outside. Convertibles offer no protection from lightning even if the top is "up".
Myth: People struck by lightning carry an electrical charge and should not be touched.
Fact: People who have been struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and should be given first aid treatment immediately!
Myth: "Heat lightning" occurs after very hot summer days and poses no threat.
Fact: Heat lightning is actually from a thunderstorm, which is occurring over the horizon and is too far away for thunder to be heard. Make sure the storm isn't heading your way.
Do you have a story about lightning you would like to share with us? Have you had a personal experience or know someone who has? Let us know about it.
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