Home » Education & Career » Science for Kids » Flash and Rumble

Flash and Rumble

© Mary M. Alward

When you see a bright flash and hear a low rumble, you can be sure that a thunderstorm is on the way.

Lightning is caused when static electricity builds up between rain clouds, or between rain clouds and the ground. Lightning bolts can carry up to 100 million volts of electricity. Lightning bolts can jump from cloud to cloud or from a cloud to the ground. Lightning strikes on high ground or objects that stick out of the ground, like poles and trees. Metal is the best conductor of electricity, so lightning is easily attracted to metal objects.

Thunder is the noise resulting from an explosive expansion of air that is caused by lightning. If the thunder rumbles in the distance, that means the lightning is far away. If thunder is a sharp crack, it means the lightning is near.

Lightning can kill. To tell how close lightning is, count the seconds between the bolt and the thunder. If you count less than 30 seconds, the lightning is within a 10 miles. Since lightning can strike anywhere within a ten mile radius of a storm cloud, you must use caution.

If you count less than 30 seconds between lightning bolt and thunder, get to a safe place as soon as possible. If you are outside, be sure to stay away from trees and poles.. If you are on a hill, move to a low-lying area.

Never go near water during a thunderstorm. Water also attracts lightning. If you are in a boat when a thunderstorm hits, get to land quickly. If you are swimming, get out of the water.

Stay away from metal objects. This includes your bike and umbrella. Also stay away from tractors, lawn mowers, metal toys and metal poles.

You are safe inside a car during a thunderstorm, as long as you stay inside and keep your hands inside. Keep windows up and don't park near trees or poles. Be careful of electricity lines that may be blown down. Cars are safe because the rubber tires work as a ground.

If you are hiking in a forest when a thunderstorm hits, find a low area and take shelter. Lightning is much less likely to strike a low-lying area.

If you are in a large, open space like a field, with no low-lying areas, use caution. It is best to make yourself a very small target. Quickly kneel on the ground with your feet together. Place your hands on your knees and bend forward. Never lie flat. This makes you a larger target.

The copyright of the article Flash and Rumble in Science for Kids is owned by Mary M. Alward. Permission to republish Flash and Rumble in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.