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Danger Signs of Lightning

Lightning is an electrical discharge resulting from negative and positive charges inside a thunderstorm. When the buildup becomes strong enough, a bolt of lighting makes an appearance. Lighting can happen from the clouds to the ground or within clouds. One bolt of lighting is approximately 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightning can cause major damage to buildings and landscapes, as well as start fires. It is possible for animals and people to get hit by lightening as well. It's important to know the warning signs of lighting and take precautionary measures during thunder storms.

  1. Danger/Warning Signs

    • When there are high winds, rainfall and dark clouds, you have the potential for cloud-to-ground lightning. Rain, however, does not have to be present for lightning to come your way. Many thunderstorms don't involve rain. Sounds of thunder in the distance are a warning sign that lightning is on the way. Lightning in the distance can mean that a storm is coming your way too. Although the direction of storms is not always predictable, you should still use caution.

    Safety Precautions

    • When a storm approaches, avoid being near or in high places. Open fields, isolated trees, unprotected gazebos, rain or picnic shelters, baseball dugouts, flagpoles, light poles, bleachers, fences, convertible cars, golf carts and water all attract lightning. If the time delay between hearing thunder and seeing lightning is less than 30 seconds, you are in danger and need to enter a large, secure building as soon as you can. When you are inside during a storm avoid a telephone and using running water. Also, avoid conductive areas like metal doors, wiring, plumbing and window frames. Enclosed metal vehicles with the windows rolled up are also relatively safe places in a thunder storm.

    Lightning Myths

    • One lightning myth is that rubber soles of shoes or rubber tires will protect you from being struck. The truth is they provide no protection whatsoever. Another myth is that people struck by lightning should not be touched because they hold an electrical charge. A lightning strike victim does not carry a charge and should be medically attended to immediately after being struck. The victim is safe to touch. Some also believe that "heat lightning" that happens on hot summer days does not pose a threat. The true definition of heat lighting precludes the myth. Heat lightning means lightning that is so far away its accompanying thunder cannot be heard.

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