Lightning Logic

NOAA Photo Library, NOAA Central Library; OAR/ERL/National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL)

Written by the Fourth Grade GT - Group 1

What is lightning and how is it formed?
"Lightning is formed when the accumulation of separated, opposing electrical charges becomes too great for a cloud to maintain, a transfer of charge occurs.  We observe this transfer of charge as lightning and thunder." -  Operation Monster Storms, pg. 54

Truths and Myths About Lightning
Lightning never strikes in the same place. - Myth
Fact- There are many documented cases of lightning striking in the same place.

The rubber souls of your shoes and the tires of your cars will protect you from being injured by lightning.  - Myth
Fact - Rubber-souled shoes and rubber tires provide no protection from lightning.  However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle will protect you, if you are not touching metal.  If your car is struck, you may receive injuries and your car might get damaged but it is much safer than being outside.

You can tell the distanct to lightning by counting one second per mile after thunder. - Myth
Fact- After the lightning, count the seconds between the lightning and the thunder.  Then divide that number by 3600 and multiply the result by 750.  This will give you the distance between you and the storm.

If you are outside in a thunderstorm you should seek shelter under a tree to keep dry.  - Myth
Fact - Being under a tree is the second leading cause of lightning catastrophe.  Better to get wet than fried!

There is a myth that lightning is attracted to metal;  it is not.  However, metal does conduct electricity better than any other materials, so it is not a good idea to be holding onto something made of metal-- especially if that item tends to be taller than you.  Lightning is attracted to the tallest object in the area.  So if you are holding onto a tall metal object, that object can become a lightning rod and conduct electricity to YOU!

Lightning Safety Tips
1.  One thing you should never do is go outside during a thunderstorm. 
2.  Have a plan for if your house gets struck by lightning during a lightning storm. 
3.  Avoid tall structures, such as towers, tall trees, fences, telephone lines, and powerlines.  Lightning usually strikes the tallest object in an area.
4.  Never hide behind an object while you are outside during a thunderstorm.
5.  If you either hear or see thunder or lightning you need a plan.
6.  Go inside a building or house and stay away from windows and things that can shatter.
7.  If outside, try to avoid any liquid substances and don't be in an open area.  Don't go standing around in puddles.
8.  Don't be near any types of metal or electric fences.
9. If you feel your hair stand on end you are immediate danger of being struck.  Unless you can instantly jump inside a shelter, drop to a crouching position, bending forward and keeping your feet close together with your hands on your knees.  The object is to be as low to the ground as possible but with as little of your body surface touching as possible.
NOAA Photo Library, NOAA Central Library; OAR/ERL/National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL)