Weather Watch: Lightning Strikes

Summer usually brings hot lazy days with temperatures in the 90s or even hotter. Forecasting summer days is usually very easy with the exception of those scattered thunderstorms. It seems a 20% chance is almost always included in a summer day forecast.

The problem with thunderstorms is that you can’t tell where they will pop up. That is why we say scattered to isolated. Summer heat can really enhance thunderstorm development. While the storm may cool things off, they really do bring a danger most may not realize. Lightning.

Already we have seen several injuries and one fatality from lightning in Arkansas in 2014. From 2004-2013, Arkansas averaged more than 850,000 cloud-to-ground lightning flashes per year. This makes Arkansas the 6th most active state in the nation for lightning. Florida ranks number 1.

Most lightning deaths happen from leisure related activities during the summer. Thirty-seven percent were water related, 17% were sports related and camping activities ranked 3rd at 10%.

For those who may work outside, ranchers, farmers, roofers, landscape workers and construction workers are most at risk. Between 2006 and 2013, 38 people were killed by lightning in the U.S. while at work.

Lightning can also do a lot of damage to your home. There are three main ways it can enter a home or building: a direct strike, through wires or pipes that extend outside the structure, and through the ground. Once in a structure, lightning can travel through the electrical and phone wires, plumbing and or radio/TV reception systems.

If a thunderstorm is in the area, don’t touch electrical cords, stay off corded phones, and avoid contact with plumbing by staying away from water sources.

If you are outdoors and can hear thunder, you are in danger. Outdoor safety rules are to seek immediate shelter in a sturdy building or hard topped vehicle. Make sure you are not touching any part of the metal of the vehicle. Never seek shelter under tall objects or trees and stay away from water such as pools and lakes. If you cannot find safety, crouch down low and stay on only the balls of your feet.

If someone is struck by lightning they should be attended too quickly. Victims do not retain an electrical charge so should be given CPR immediately after calling 911. Most victims die from cardiac arrest so the use of an automatic external defibrillator may also be needed.

LIGHTNING MYTHS

Myth: Lightning never strikes the same place twice.

Fact: Lightning often strikes the same place repeatedly, especially if it’s a tall, pointy, isolated object. The Empire State Building is hit nearly 100 times a year.

Myth: If it’s not raining or there aren’t clouds overhead, you’re safe from lightning.

Fact: Lightning often strikes more than three miles from the center of the thunderstorm, far outside the rain or thunderstorm cloud. “Bolts from the blue” can strike 10-15 miles from the thunderstorm.

Myth: Rubber tires on a car protect you from lightning by insulating you from the ground.

Fact: Most cars are safe from lightning, but it is the metal roof and metal sides that protect you, not the rubber tires. When lightning strikes a vehicle, it goes through the metal frame into the ground. Convertibles, motorcycles, bicycles, open-shelled outdoor recreational vehicles and cars with fiberglass shells offer no protection from lightning. Don’t lean on doors during a thunderstorm.