…By Judah Olanisebee for TDPel Media.
Staying Safe During Thunderstorms: Understanding Lightning and Minimizing Risks
The Met Office in the UK has issued “yellow thunderstorm warnings,” signaling the potential for frequent lightning.
Although the chances of getting struck by lightning are generally low, it is crucial to know how to stay safe during a thunderstorm.
Shockingly, lightning claims around 24,000 lives and injures an additional 240,000 individuals worldwide each year.
Basic Thunderstorm Safety:
While many people are familiar with basic thunderstorm safety precautions like avoiding standing under trees or near windows, and refraining from using corded phones (mobile phones are safe), there are lesser-known precautions to consider.
For instance, during a thunderstorm, it is advisable to avoid taking a shower, bath, or washing dishes.
Understanding Thunderstorms and Lightning:
To comprehend the rationale behind these precautions, it is essential to have a basic understanding of how thunderstorms and lightning operate.
Thunderstorms thrive on two primary components: moisture and rising warm air, which are closely associated with summertime.
The combination of high temperatures and humidity results in the formation of large amounts of moist air that ascend into the atmosphere, eventually giving rise to thunderstorms.
The Lightning Process:
Within clouds, millions of water and ice droplets interact, leading to the generation of lightning.
As rising water droplets collide with falling ice droplets, they acquire a negative charge, leaving the ice droplets with a positive charge.
Thunderstorms act as immense Van de Graaff generators, separating positive and negative charges within clouds through charge separation.
The Grounding Effect and Lightning Strikes:
As thunderclouds traverse the Earth, they induce an opposite charge in the ground, attracting lightning strikes toward the surface.
The thunderstorm seeks to balance its charges by discharging between positive and negative regions, following the path of least resistance.
Consequently, objects with higher conductivity, such as metal, are more susceptible to being struck during a storm.
Minimizing Risks During Thunderstorms:
The most valuable advice during a thunderstorm is to seek shelter indoors when thunder is audible.
However, remaining inside does not guarantee complete safety from the storm.
Certain indoor activities can pose risks similar to being outside.
For example, if lightning strikes a house, the electricity will follow the path of least resistance, potentially utilizing water-filled pipes and metal wires within the home.
Hazards to Avoid:
Apart from avoiding water-related activities, there are other risks to be aware of during a thunderstorm.
One such risk is leaning on a concrete wall.
While concrete itself is not highly conductive, the presence of metal beams (rebar) within reinforced concrete can provide a conductive path for lightning.
Additionally, it is advisable to refrain from using electrical appliances such as computers, TVs, washing machines, and dishwashers, as these can serve as pathways for lightning strikes.
Determining Safe Time Frames:
A general guideline to determine one’s proximity to a storm is to consider if thunder is audible in the distance, even in the absence of rain.
Lightning strikes can occur up to ten miles away from the parent storm.
Typically, it is safe to resume showering or other water-related activities half an hour after hearing the final thunderclap.
Thunderstorms often reserve their most intense strikes for the end, and it is crucial to exercise caution.
Conclusion:
Being well-informed about thunderstorm safety is vital to minimize the risks associated with lightning strikes.
While the chance of being struck by lightning is relatively low, understanding the dynamics of thunderstorms and the precautions to take can greatly enhance personal safety.
By adhering to guidelines and avoiding potentially hazardous activities during thunderstorms, individuals can reduce the likelihood of being affected by lightning strikes.
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