Debunking the Most Common Myths Surrounding Ligthning

Severe weather has become a mainstay across much of the U.S. in recent weeks. While most people understand the dangers surrounding tornadoes and flash flooding, lightning strikes do not typically cause concern. However, it is important to understand that lightning typically kills about 20 people each year in the U.S. alone.

Unfortunately, there are a number of myths surrounding lightning events that people believe are true. According to the National Lightning Safety Council, these myths should be discounted because they put people's lives at risk. Here are some of the most common myths about lightning that need to be debunked.

It is Not Dangerous to Shower During a Thunderstorm

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns against showering during a thunderstorm for good reason. Should lightning strike your home during a storm, the dangerous electricity could travel through the wires or the plumbing. As a result, any activity involving water could put you at risk. This includes taking a shower or bath, washing dishes, or turning on a faucet to get a glass of water.

It is Not Safe to Use a Phone During a Storm

Phone usage during a storm is safe as long as the phone is cordless. The myth about the dangers of using a phone during a thunderstorm originates from times when corded phones were the norm. Cell phones are completely fine during times of severe weather. The danger lies in being on a cell phone that is plugged in to charge during a storm. If your home's electrical system is hit during a storm, the pulse could travel into the phone and put you at risk.

It is Not Safe to Touch Someone Who Has Been Struck by Lightning

Do not shy away from rendering aid to a lightning victim thinking that they could pass the charge along to you. A person who has been struck by lightning does not carry the resulting electric charge. In fact, you should act quickly and begin first aid on the victim. The most likely cause of death from a lightning strike is cardiac arrest, making it important to provide potentially life-saving CPR to the victim right away.

Lightning Will Not Strike Without Rain Present

Do not believe the fallacy that lightning will not happen if rain is not falling. The general rule is that you are at risk of being hit by lightning if you can hear the unmistakable rumble of thunder. Lightning can strike at a distance of up to 10 miles from a storm.

Take Shelter Under a Tree

Many people have grown up believing that it is safe to seek shelter under a tree when severe weather hits. This decision could prove deadly as trees are one of the worst areas to be near when lightning is nearby. Towering trees are naturally more prone to being susceptible to lightning targets. A bolt of lightning striking a tree can then spread out to the ground and impact those nearby.

Lightning Never Strikes the Same Place Twice

Not only is it inherently false that lightning never strikes the same place twice, but it is actually the opposite. Some places have been struck repeatedly due to their location. For example, the Empire State Building typically gets hit by lightning about 23 times yearly. Nearby in New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty is also a magnet for lightning strikes. The height and the conductive copper used in the construction of this gift from France naturally make it more likely to be hit by a bolt of lightning.

Where Are You Most Likely to be in Danger of Lightning Strikes

Now that you understand the facts about lightning, it is time to look at what types of venues and locations are at the highest risk of experiencing lightning strikes. The number of extreme weather events impacting large gatherings in recent years has increased. For example, a group of spectators at a PGA tour event was struck by lightning, resulting in serious injuries. Also more recently, last year's Indianapolis 500 was postponed by about four hours when severe weather threatened the venue, forcing the evacuation of fans and drivers.

A recent study published by the American Meteorological Society (AMS) is sounding the alarm bell about the dangers of large outdoor gatherings when severe weather is in the forecast. Regardless of whether the event is an outdoor concert, a sporting event, or simply people gathered at festivals or amusement parks, it is important to be aware of these risks. These risks are amplified during the warmer months of the year when severe weather events are more prevalent and when people are more likely to be outside.

The AMS study looked at data from 477 venues spread over 16,000 individual events. The scientists involved in the study used a metric of lightning and tornado risks to determine what events ushered in the greatest exposure to spectators and attendees.

Not surprisingly, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival ranks the highest on the list for potential lightning exposure. The popular event attracts almost half of a million people each May to the Crescent City. This time of the year is the peak of the lightning season in this part of the country.

Theme parks also rank high on the list of possible exposure to dangerous lightning. This threat is most prevalent in Florida, a state known for its regular episodes of thunderstorms. The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World near Orlando and Busch Gardens in Tampa are both in the top 10 for lightning exposures, particularly during the stormy summer season.

With lightning storms also often come tornadoes. This is because tornadoes come out of severe weather events.

While Colorado is not particularly known for its tornado activity, Coors Field in Denver is one of the most likely places to see a tornado form nearby. This field is home to the Colorado Rockies Major League Baseball team.

But Coors Field is not alone on this list. Other baseball stadiums that rank high on the AMS list for tornado threats include Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Globe Life Field in Arlington, and Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. The timing of the season during each region's peak severe weather season is to blame for the threats.

Outdoor festivals and fairs are also notably susceptible to tornado exposures. The AMS study noted that state fairs that happen in Tornado Alley are particularly high-risk events. In addition to the location in an area prone to twisters, the temporary tents set up during these events do not provide sufficient protection against tornadoes.

The study's authors note that event organizers and local officials can use their findings to make better decisions about evacuation protocols, shelter availability, and how to communicate in the event of severe weather.

Did you find this content useful? Feel free to bookmark or to post to your timeline for reference later.