Lightning is one of the most beautiful natural phenomenon’s, however, it is also one of the most dangerous too. Over centuries people have studied in depth this natural wonder to find out everything there possible is about it. Even today scientist’s still do not have a full understanding of how lightning fully works.
Make sure you know your basics with this easy to follow list of ten basic things you need to know about lightning.
There is more than one type of lightning
It’s easy to assume that this is only one type of lightning, but this is simply not the case. There are two different types of lightning strikes– negative and positive. Cloud to ground lightning is most frequently referred to in terms of lightning protection, other forms of lightning produce less damage to buildings.
A lightning strike originates about 15,000 to 20,000 feet above sea level
Did you know that a lightning strike comes from around 15,000 to 20,000 feet above sea level, from here it travels its way down to about 50 yards above the ground.
Lightning cannot be prevented
Lightning is a natural force, therefore you cannot prevent it from happening. However, you can protect against it where you can intercept or divert the lightning strikes on to a different path.
The odds of being hit by lightning are against you
It’s predicted that you are a thousand times more likely to be struck by lightning than to win the lottery. However, the odds of being struck just once in your lifetime are 1 in 3,000.
Avoid more than just your electrics in a storm
It’s a common fact that you should avoid everything electrical whilst there is a lightning storm brewing but did you know you also need to avoid a number of things in your home. You should always avoid water, house phones and you should always stay away from your doors and windows.
A single bolt of lightning is hot stuff
A single bolt of lightning is around 50,000 F which may mean nothing to you but in fact that is five times hotter than the sun!
Time ticks as lightning strikes
Every time a second passes somewhere in the world a cloud to ground lightning is striking somewhere. It is predicted that there are over 100 strikes per second, now that’s a lot!
Lightning strikes on average are 2-3 miles long
A single lightning strike is on average around 2-3 miles long, within this strike there is an incredible current of 10,000 amps at 100 million volts.
Lightning DOES strike twice
Don’t be fooled by myths, as the myth of lightning never strikes twice is of course incorrect. Take for example The Empire State Building in New York, this building has been struck countless of times, so much in fact it is often described as a huge lightning rod built to attract lightning strikes.
Keraunophobia, what is it?
Ever heard of Keraunophobia? Do you suffer from Keraunophobia? In fact Keraunophobia is a term used for people who suffer from the irrational fear of lightning.