Thunderstorms and Lightning Strikes: How to Stay Safe Amidst Nature’s Electrical Phenomenon

When lightning strikes during a thunderstorm, it is crucial for people outdoors to seek safe shelter immediately. According to Chris Vagasky, a meteorologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, it’s essential to check weather forecasts regularly and reconsider outdoor plans if a storm is approaching. During thunderstorms, beaches are especially dangerous as lightning tends to strike tall objects and water is an excellent conductor of electricity. Staying underwater during a thunderstorm is not safe.

Vagasky emphasizes that no outdoor location is entirely safe during a thunderstorm, so the best course of action is to seek shelter indoors when a storm hits. Two safe places to be during a thunderstorm are a sturdy structure or a vehicle with a metal enclosure. A house, store, or office provides protection with its four walls and roof where electrical wires and water pipes are safely enclosed. On the other hand, tents or garden sheds are not safe places to be during lightning strikes.

If someone is struck by lightning, it’s important to call 911 and provide immediate first aid as approximately 90% of lightning strike victims survive but require prompt medical attention. Lightning strikes occur about 37 million times a year in the United States, resulting in an average of 21 deaths annually. Therefore, it’s crucial for people to understand the risks associated with thunderstorms and lightning strikes and how to stay safe during severe weather conditions.

Lightning is a natural phenomenon that occurs in thunderstorms due to the collision of rain, ice crystals, and hail in the atmosphere generating an electrical charge in the cloud. Lightning can strike between clouds or from clouds to the ground causing significant damage including fires injuries and fatalities. Thunderstorms are most likely to occur in warmer months with June July August being the most common months for lightning strikes.

It’s important for people to take precautions when dealing with thunderstorms and lightning strikes by staying aware of their surroundings checking weather forecast regularly before heading outside reconsidering plans if necessary avoiding tall isolated trees seeking shelter indoors if possible staying underwater during storms isn’t recommended calling 911 immediately if someone gets struck by lightning providing first aid until help arrives understanding risks associated with thunderstorms