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Frightning Lightning

© Amy Marquis

“The air virtually exploded and the shock wave rattled my teeth. It was frightening. It’s a reality check. No doubt about it,” said NOAA Warning Coordination Meteorologist Jim Lushine, who is a nationally recognized expert on lightning.

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His golf game was going well that day. He had just hit a great tee shot on the seventh hole of a golf course near his home when he saw lightning flash in the distance. His first instinct was to follow the very advice he has been giving for years. “As soon as you see the lightning or hear the thunder, head for shelter immediately. The important thing is to act quickly and not hesitate,” he said.

Every year about 17 million lightning bolts hit Florida. On average 50 people are injured annually and ten are killed by lightning in the Sunshine State alone. Throughout the United States, an average of 73 people die by being struck each year. That's more than the number of people killed by tornadoes or hurricanes. So far in 2001, Florida has seen 47 people injured and four killed by these dangerous bolts. And lightning season is still going strong. It’s not expected to let up for at least a couple of months.

“The wolf is at the door and people really have to think twice about going out in that kind of situation,” said Lushine.

According to Lushine, it’s one thing to study the raw power of lighting. It’s quite another to experience it up-close and personal. He warns there are misconceptions about lightning safety. Contrary to what most people think, it doesn’t have to be raining in order for lightning to be a danger. Lightning can, in fact, strike the same place twice. And rubber boots do not offer protection from lightning.

“We try to dispel those kinds of myths. Getting to shelter immediately is the only way to be safe,” he said. The 30-30 Rule is a good one to follow. When you see lightning, count the time until you hear thunder. If the timing is less than 30 seconds, seek shelter right away. If you can't see the lightning, just hearing the thunder gives a good guildeline. Wait 30 minutes or more after hearing the last rumble before leaving shelter.

As for those avid golfers, Lushine advises, “Don’t worry about your game. You can always hit a mulligan (free stroke) later. But lightning never gives a mulligan.”

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