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Thunderbolts of Lightning: Very, Very Frightening Myths
June 29, 2023 at 03:40 AM EDT
By WeatherBug Meteorologist, Kayla St. Germain
What do Johnny Appleseed and lightning have in common? Myths! Both are real, but a lot of false claims surround the two. Today, we will be dispelling five of the most common myths about lightning. The last one may shock you!
Myth 1: You’ll be electrocuted if you touch an electrified lightning victim.
Fact: As humans, we do not store electricity. It is perfectly safe to touch a lightning victim, especially if CPR needs to be administered!
Myth 2: Lightning never strikes the same place twice.
Fact: Tall pointy objects, like the Empire State Building get struck multiples times during a single storm and throughout the year.
Myth 3: If it is not raining and there are no clouds overhead, you are safe from lightning.
Fact: If you can hear thunder, then you are close enough to get struck. Lightning can strike more than 3 miles from the center of the storm. There are even occasions called “Bolts from the Blue” when lightning can strike 10 to15 miles away from the storm.
Myth 4: If you're caught outside during a thunderstorm, you should crouch down to reduce your risk of being struck.
Fact: Unfortunately, you are not safe anywhere outdoors during a thunderstorms and crouching doesn't make you any safer. Run to a substantial building or hard topped vehicle if possible.
Myth 5: The rubber tires on a car will insulate you from the ground, keeping you safe if struck by lightning.
Fact: Hard-bodied cars can provide protection from lightning, but not because of the tires, it is because of the metal body. When lightning strikes a car, its metal frame directs the lightning into the ground.
Source: NWS
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Image: Silhouette of a man climbing on top of a mountain with two lightnings striking on dark skies. (Sari ONeal via Shutterstock)
Myth 1: You’ll be electrocuted if you touch an electrified lightning victim.
Fact: As humans, we do not store electricity. It is perfectly safe to touch a lightning victim, especially if CPR needs to be administered!
Myth 2: Lightning never strikes the same place twice.
Fact: Tall pointy objects, like the Empire State Building get struck multiples times during a single storm and throughout the year.
Myth 3: If it is not raining and there are no clouds overhead, you are safe from lightning.
Fact: If you can hear thunder, then you are close enough to get struck. Lightning can strike more than 3 miles from the center of the storm. There are even occasions called “Bolts from the Blue” when lightning can strike 10 to15 miles away from the storm.
Myth 4: If you're caught outside during a thunderstorm, you should crouch down to reduce your risk of being struck.
Fact: Unfortunately, you are not safe anywhere outdoors during a thunderstorms and crouching doesn't make you any safer. Run to a substantial building or hard topped vehicle if possible.
Myth 5: The rubber tires on a car will insulate you from the ground, keeping you safe if struck by lightning.
Fact: Hard-bodied cars can provide protection from lightning, but not because of the tires, it is because of the metal body. When lightning strikes a car, its metal frame directs the lightning into the ground.
Source: NWS
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Image: Silhouette of a man climbing on top of a mountain with two lightnings striking on dark skies. (Sari ONeal via Shutterstock)