Lightning Strikes in the U.S

Lightning occurs within many different natural hazards. Within thunderstorms usually strike from cloud to cloud. There are many times, however, when lightning does strike the ground. Lightning only occurs within cumulonimbus clouds in this instance. It can also occur within volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, and extreme forest fires. There is a human induced instance of lightning caused by surface nuclear detonations. Lightning occurs when opposite charges within a cloud or opposite charges in the cloud and the ground. The negative electrons are attracted to the positive electrons. This process takes place when a stepped leader (negative electrons) move downward closer to the ground, while the streamers (positively charged electrons) move upward and emanate from a tall object such as a tree. This is when cloud to ground lightning occurs. It is highly dangerous as it can cause fires and human fatalities, though some people have survived lightning strike, more often than not they are left with devastating chronic health issues. Thunder occurs with lightning as the lightning rapidly heats the air around it, causing it to expand and create the sound wave we know as thunder. Lightning can heat the air around it to about 54,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is important to know that lightning strikes tall objects. People should know that if they are in a field and there are no tall objects around, it is best to lay down if escape from the hazard zone is not possible. Avoid being to tallest object in the presence of lightning to avoid being struck. Also, not wearing or holding a good conductor, such as metals, is important to know. Having rubber soled shoes also helps, in the event a person is truck, channel the lightning into the ground and increases the possibility of surviving a lightning strike. The best preventative measure to take is to stay indoors during any type of storm or if large cumulonimbus clouds are on the horizon.  Lightning related fatalities have decreased in the U.S since people from rural areas are not dwelling in cities. The Gulf Coast in the U.S experiences the greatest number of lightning strikes with Central Florida being the primary area this occurs. 

Photo by Trevor Pitts

Sources: Natural Disasters by Keller & Devecchio

nssl.noaa.gov

geology.com World Lightning Map