During a thunderstorm, it’s essential to seek safe shelter immediately. Chris Vagasky, a meteorologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, advises people to check weather forecasts regularly and cancel outdoor plans if a thunderstorm is approaching, especially if it’s near water. Lightning tends to strike tall objects, and water is an excellent conductor of electricity, so staying underwater during a storm is dangerous.
Vagasky emphasizes that no outdoor location is safe during a thunderstorm. Seeking shelter indoors in a sturdy structure like a house, store or office with walls and a roof or in a vehicle with metal enclosure provides protection from lightning strikes. It’s important to avoid tents, garden sheds, golf carts and convertibles as they are not safe during lightning strikes. Trees should also be avoided as they are more likely to be struck by lightning.
If someone is struck by lightning, it’s crucial to call 911 immediately and provide first aid. About 90% of victims survive but require prompt medical attention. Lightning strikes occur approximately 37 million times per year in the United States and cause an average of 21 deaths. Understanding the dangers of lightning during a storm is vital for minimizing risks and staying safe.
Lightning is an electrical discharge that occurs in the atmosphere between clouds or between clouds and ground. It can cause fires, injuries, and fatalities due to its power. It’s essential to know how to stay safe during thunderstorms since it’s seasonal with June, July, August being the months with the highest number of strikes in states like Texas, Florida, Oklahoma
