The Truth About Lightning

Scientists estimate the earth is struck by lightning 100 times every second. That's 8.6 million strikes a day and more than three billion a year. Each bolt is hotter than the sun, with a single one able to reach 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lightning is beautiful, but it is also dangerous and even sometimes deadly - especially when it isn't fully understood. Here you'll find answers to all the lightning myths out there.

If the weather has seemed more extreme in recent years, scientsts say Mother Nature isn't the only culprit. Read Wild Weather? For more information about how to survive extreme weather, visit the Weather Safety Links

MYTH: Lightning never strikes twice in the same place.

TRUTH: Lightning can strike the same objects year after year. Tall structures, such as the Empire State Building and the Sears Tower, are hit many times each year by lightning, as are mountain tops and radio-television antennas. The Empire State Building is struck by lightning an average of 23 times annually. During one thunderstorm, the building was struck eight times in 24 minutes!

MYTH: If it is not raining, lightning is not a danger.

TRUTH: It is not uncommon for lightning to occur outside heavy rain. It can strike as far as 10 miles away from rainfall.

MYTH: Rubber-soled shoes or rubber tires on a car will protect you from being struck.

TRUTH: Don't be fooled!!! Rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. You might be surprised to find the steel frame of a hard-top vehicle does offer protection, provided you are not touching metal. Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.

MYTH: People struck by lightning carry an electrical charge and should not be touched.

TRUTH: This is totally UNTRUE and could create problems that can be avoided. Lightning-strike victims should be attended to immediately with CPR and first aid!

MYTH: Heat lightning occurs after very hot summer days and poses no threat.

TRUTH: Heat lightning is simply lightning from a thunderstorm too far away for thunder to be heard. But you shouldn't let your guard down - the storm could be moving in your direction!

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It is possible to survive being struck by a bolt of lightning. In fact, studies show a fairly low mortality rate overall. Somewhere between 75 and 150 deaths and 750 to 5000 injuries are reported each year.

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