Myth Busting: Lightning

10/14/2014 (Permalink)

Lightning is one of the most understood phenomenons in our world today.  There is as much not known or irrationally feared about lightning as there is that is not taken seriously enough.  Many myths are perpetuated about the unknown, and lightning is no different.  It is important that you know the facts about lightning so that you can prepare for it and know what to do when it occurs.

Myth: lightning never strikes the same place twice

False: Lightning often strikes the same place twice, especially if it’s a tall, pointy object.  The Empire State building is struck nearly 25 times per year.

Myth: If clouds aren’t over my heads and it isn’t raining, lightning poses no threat to me. 

False: Lightning often strikes more than three miles outside of the thunderstorm and has been known to travel as far as 10 to 15 miles before striking the ground.

Myth: “Heat lightning” occurs after a very hot summer day and poses no threat.

False: “Heat lightning” is just a term used to describe lightning from a thunderstorm too far away to be heard. 

Myth: Lightning always strikes the tallest object.

Fact: Lightning strikes the best conductor on the ground, not necessarily the tallest object. In some cases, the best conductor might be a human being.

Myth: A car's rubber tires give protection from lightning.

False: Actually, the car itself is very well insulated and offers more protection than being outside in the storm. Of course, the exception to this is the convertible, which provides virtually no protection