SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS
About 1800 thunderstorms are ongoing at any time somewhere on earth, which amounts to 16 million storms a year. These storms produce about 25 million lightning strikes per year.
Lightning is very dangerous and even 5 times hotter than the sun so it should be taken seriously when there is a threat nearby. Many cases people wait until it starts raining but if you think about it, rain is not the threat, lightning is.
You can be struck by lightning under clear blue skies even when the actual storm and rain is 10 miles away.
What causes Lightning? Particles of ice, rain or snow collide within the cloud, changing the charge of the lower portion of the cloud. Objects on the ground become positively charged, which causes electrically charged particles to balance each other, resulting in a bolt of lightning.
If caught outside the best place to go is inside, if there is no building or house nearby a car is the next best option.
If you are at an outdoor event, do not wait until authorities tell you to seek shelter if you hear thunder take action and protect yourself by getting into a safe spot until the storm and threat of lightning passes.
The National Weather Service (NWS) provides three levels of seriousness relating to storms approaching your area. A simple way to remember them is.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) proposes the 30-30 Rule which states:
- If you see lightning and then hear the sound of thunder in less than 30 seconds, the lightning is close enough to hit you.
- It also requires you to wait 30 minutes after a thunderstorm to leave your shelter.
SOME COMMON MYTHS
If someone is struck by lightning and you touch him or her you’ll be electrocuted.
False! The human body does not store electricity.
Lightning never strikes the same place twice…
Not true, The Empire State building is hit nearly 100 times per year.
If trapped outside in lightning storm lie flat on the ground.
False, lying flat increases your chance of being affected by deadly ground current.
