In spring and summer, weather patterns are more active as they move through Kentucky, especially in the afternoon and evening, resulting in more thunderstorms.
These weather conditions also increase the potential for lightning to strike people working or playing outdoors, and even while they are inside a building.
All thunderstorms produce lightning. Sometimes called "nature's fireworks," lightning is produced by the buildup and discharge of electrical energy between negatively and positively charged areas. An average lightning charge can provide enough energy to keep a 100-watt light bulb burning for more than three months!
Other dangers associated with thunderstorms are heavy rains that lead to flash floods, strong winds, hail, and tornadoes. These weather conditions can injure or kill people and pets, as well as cause billions of dollars in crop and property damage.
Thunder results from a shock wave caused by rapid heating and cooling of air near the lightning channel.
Do you know how to estimate the miles between yourself and a lightning flash?
Simply count seconds between lightning and thunder, and divide this time by five. Sound travels about a mile every five seconds. For example, if you count 30 seconds between lightning and thunder, lightning has flashed within 6 miles of you. This puts you within lightning striking distance, according to scientific research.
What is the most important thunderstorm safety precaution?
Be aware of approaching thunderstorms and move to a safe shelter before the storm arrives in your area. If you see lightning, hear thunder, observe dark clouds or you hair stands on end, immediately go inside a sturdy, completely enclosed building, home or a hard-top vehicle with closed windows.
Avoid picnic shelters, sports dugouts, covered patios, carports, and open garages. Small wooden, vinyl, or metal sheds provide little, if any, protection.
Since metal conducts lightning, do not touch metal inside or outdoors. Drop metal backpacks. Release golf clubs, tennis rackets, fishing gear, and tools. Get off bicycles and motorcycles.
Lighting can strike water and travel a long distance in it. Standing in water, even in rubber boots, is not safe during a thunderstorm. Neither are swimming, wading, snorkeling, and scuba diving. If you are in a small boat during a storm, crouch in the middle and stay away from metal substances.
When caught in an open, exposed area, crouch down and stay away from tall objects, such as trees. Remember to stay away from clotheslines, fences, exposed sheds and other elevated items that can conduct lightning.
If you are indoors, remember lightning can enter buildings as a direct strike, though pipes and wires extending outside or through the ground. Telephone use is a leading cause of indoor lightning injuries in America because the charges can travel a long way in telephone and electrical wires, especially in rural areas.
Windows and doors provide a direct path for lightning to enter a building as well, so avoid them. During a thunderstorm, stay away from laundry appliances because they are connected to plumbing and electrical systems. Dryer vents also offer a direct electrical pathway outdoors.
Remember pet safety. Lightning can easily strike animals chained to a tree or wire runner. Doghouse generally are no protected against lightning strikes either.
Stay safe this weather season!
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