Tips for staying safe during thunderstorm season

When a thunderstorm with lightning strikes, it is crucial for people outdoors to seek safe shelter immediately, away from water and tall trees. Chris Vagasky, a meteorologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, recommends checking weather forecasts regularly and reconsidering outdoor plans if a thunderstorm is approaching, particularly if it is close to water. Beaches are especially dangerous during thunderstorms as lightning tends to strike the tallest objects and water is a good conductor of electricity. Therefore, staying underwater during a thunderstorm is not safe. Vagasky emphasizes that no outdoor location is safe during a thunderstorm, so the best course of action is to seek shelter indoors when a storm hits.

Two safe places to be during a thunderstorm are a sturdy structure or a vehicle with a metal enclosure. A structure such as a house, store, or office provides protection with its four walls and roof, where electrical wires and water pipes are safely enclosed. On the other hand, a tent or garden shed is not a safe place to be during a lightning strike. If caught in a sealed metal vehicle during a thunderstorm, the metal enclosure will conduct electricity if lightning strikes, providing some protection. It is essential to avoid trees, especially tall, isolated ones, as they are more likely to attract lightning strikes.

If someone is struck by lightning, it is important to call 911 and provide immediate first aid. Approximately 90% of lightning strike victims survive but require prompt medical attention. Lightning strikes about 37 million times a year in the United States, resulting in an average of 21 deaths. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the risks associated with thunderstorms and lightning strikes, as well as how to stay safe during severe weather conditions.

Lightning is a natural phenomenon that occurs in thunderstorms due to the collision of rain, ice crystals, and hail in the atmosphere, generating an electrical charge in the cloud. Lightning can strike between clouds or from clouds to the ground, causing significant damage, including fires, injuries, and fatalities. Thunderstorms are most likely to occur in the warmer months, with the majority of lightning strikes happening in June, July, and August. It is important for people to be aware of the risks associated with lightning and take precautions to stay safe during stormy weather.