Mar 1, 2006 10:23 am US/Central
Severe Weather Week: Lightning
(CBS)
There are an estimated 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes each year. While lightning can be fascinating to watch, it is also extremely dangerous. During the past 30 years through 2003, lightning has killed
an average of 66 Americans and injured another 300. The number of
Americans killed by lightning typically exceeds the number of deaths
resulting from both tornadoes and hurricanes.
Most lightning-caused deaths occur during the spring and summer months
when the frequency of thunderstorms and outdoor activities peak. During
the past 40 years, Texas ranked second in the country behind Florida in
total number of lightning fatalities.
By definition, all thunderstorms produce lightning. During a
thunderstorm, each flash of cloud-to-ground lightning is a potential
killer. Although some victims are struck directly by the main visible
lightning stroke, most are affected by nearby strikes as the current
moves in and along the ground. Because of these indirect strikes, most
victims survive, though often with lifelong painful effects. While
virtually all people take some protective action during a thunderstorm,
many unknowingly leave themselves vulnerable.
Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles away from the rain area in a
thunderstorm, which is about the distance from a storm that you are able
to hear the thunder. If you can hear the thunder then you are within
striking distance of that storm. Also, when you can clearly hear thunder
in an urban setting above the city noise, it is time to abandon outdoor
activities.
Follow the 30/30 lightning safety rule when thunderstorms threaten your
area. Go indoors if after seeing lightning you cannot count to 30 before
hearing thunder. This method may be too difficult if lightning from an
approaching storm is very frequent and thunder is nearly constant. Just
head indoors. Then stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last
clap of thunder. Do not prematurely resume outdoor activities as the
storm moves away. Following these guidelines will contribute greatly to
your safety from the deadly beauty of lightning.
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