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Lightning is the number two weather related killer after
floods.
Lightning is an underrated hazard
that occurs during thunderstorms tornadoes and hurricanes.
Thunderstorms/Lightning Facts
- Over a 30-year period, lightning has caused approximately 83 deaths in the
United States each year.
- All thunderstorms produce lightning. Lightning often strikes outside
of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.
- Most lightning occurs within the cloud or between the cloud and the
ground.
- Lightning results from the buildup and discharge of electrical energy
between positively and negatively charged areas. The action of rising
and descending air within a thunderstorm separate positive and negative
charges.
- West Virginia experiences thunderstorm activity an average of 30 to 50
days annually.
- Lightning strikes the earth 100 times each second.
Thunderstorms/Lightning
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If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm
to be struck by lightning. Go to a safe shelter immediately, such as a
sturdy building or car. Do not take shelter in small sheds, under
isolated trees, or in convertible automobiles.
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Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity.
Unplug appliances not necessary for obtaining weather information. Avoid
using electrical appliances. Use phones ONLY in an emergency.
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Turn off air conditioners. Power surges from
lightning can overload the compressors.
-
Do not take a bath or shower. Water is an electrical
conductor.
-
If caught outdoors and no shelter is nearby, get inside a
hard top automobile and keep the windows up.
-
If no automobile is available, find a low spot away from
trees, fences and poles. Be alert to the possibility of flash flooding.
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If you are in the woods, take shelter under short trees or
shrubs.
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If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stand on end,
squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands on
your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target
possible and minimize your contact with the ground.
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If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find
shelter immediately.
-
Stay away from open outdoor spaces.
Remember ...
When outdoors ... watch for signs
of approaching storms. Remember if you can hear thunder, you are close
enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Move to a sturdy building
or car. Do not take shelter in small sheds -- under isolated trees -- or
in convertible automobiles. If caught outside and no shelter is nearby,
find a low spot away from trees, fences and poles. Make sure the place
you pick is not subject to flooding.
SkyPix Photo
Gallery by Roger Edwards
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