Lightning is the beautiful light show that accompanies a thunderstorm. Lightning is a large electrical charge caused when negatively charged ions and positively charged ions become separated in a cloud. The ground attracts the negative charges from the cloud and as they move downward, they hit other electrons in the air causing even more electrical charge. Lightning can also arc from one cloud to another.
Lightning generally takes the form of a stroke of light, often with small forks emanating from it. It is lovely to look at, but must be respected. Lightning can be very dangerous. However, there are specific circumstances that make people more prone to its danger.
Lightning often strikes tall objects such as trees and high buildings. This is because the tall objects are closer to the cloud from which the lightning originates. A tall object provides the easiest path for the lightning’s electricity to travel to the ground.
Lightning rods are metal poles placed on high buildings; they are connected to wires that run from the rod to the ground. This wire conducts the electricity from a lightning strike all the way to the ground, leaving the building undamaged. So, one of the safest places to be in a lightning storm is inside a building equipped with lightning rods. It is also fairly safe to be inside a car. Benjamin Franklin originally developed the lightning rod.
In the United States approximately 100 people are killed by lightning each year and about 300 are injured. Most people killed or injured by lightning are outdoors and are struck directly. Lightning related deaths are most common on golf courses, sports fields and in boats. Golfers are especially prone to lightning strikes because they are generally standing on large flat areas swinging metal rods – a very attractive scenario for a bolt of electricity trying to move closer to the ground. A lightning strike carries about 300 kilovolts of electricity; this is at least five times the voltage of the average shock from an industrial accident. A lightning strike only lasts for a few milliseconds, but it can cause extreme burns in that short amount of time. Often, the shock to the body simply causes the heart to stop; other times people are injured because they are thrown by the force of the bolt.
It is possible for people to be killed or hurt by a lightning strike to power or phone lines if they are holding an electrical appliance or phone when the strike occurs. This causes a surge through the wires, which can be very dangerous. However, it is fairly rare for this to be the cause of lightning related death.
Never stand under a tree in a lightning storm. Trees are commonly hit by lightning and not only do they conduct the electricity, but they can get so hot they shatter, splinter and even explode. So, not only is a bystander in danger from the current from the lightning strike but also from the tree itself.
So, in a lightning storm seek shelter inside a building or car. If you cannot get to a safe indoor location, stay on low ground and avoid trees. It does not have to be raining for lightning to occur. If you hear thunder or see lightning, move to shelter immediately. Avoid open spaces where you will be the highest object in the area. Indoors or outdoors, always avoid water in lightning storm.
Other interesting facts about lightning:
- Florida has the most lightning related deaths of any state in the U.S.; this is at least partly due to the number of thunderstorms and the long storm season.
- Men are struck by lightning four times more often than women.
- Astraphobia is the phobic fear of lightning.
