Severe Weather Season: Lightning Facts You Need to Know

(Mix 93-1) Each of us is fascinated by different things. One of the things that I am fascinated by is horribly terrifying to others. At the mere sight of lightning when others run to seek shelter indoors, I am cautiously watching it from underneath a covered awning or porch.

Why Lightning Fascinates Some People

Anytime the forecast calls for thunderstorms, I am anxiously waiting for the lightning portion of the storm. When a bolt of lightning streaks across the sky and spreads out, I am in awe. It happens in a flash, and to me, it's a beautiful thing. Even when sheet lightning happens (lightning from a single cloud), mesmorizes me.

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How Dangerous Lightning Really Is

Lightning is and can be very dangerous. According to the National Weather Service, lightning kills an average of 20 to 30 people per year. So we all must take lightning seriously.

The spring severe weather season is quickly approaching here in East Texas, which means thunderstorms are on the way. To be safe, anytime you hear thunder, you should seek shelter indoors because lightning can happen as far as 10-15 miles or more away from a storm.

Lightning Safety Tips Everyone Should Know

It is recommended that you seek shelter in a sturdy, fully enclosed building or inside your metal-topped vehicle with the windows rolled up. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) also suggests you avoid tall objects, stay off the water, and if you're caught outdoors, make yourself as low as possible as you seek shelter.

During our lifetime, we've probably heard a few myths about lightning:

• Lightning never strikes the same place twice
• A lightning victim is electrified - if you touch them, you’ll be electrocuted
• If outside in a thunderstorm, you should seek shelter under a tree to stay dry

Among many others. Let's take a look at what the National Weather Service has to say about some of these myths and separate fact from fiction.

READ MORE --> Watch A Brilliant Display Of Lightning Stretch Across The Texas Sky

Common Lightning Myths vs. Facts

Myth: Lightning never strikes the same place twice.

Fact: Lightning often strikes the same place repeatedly, especially if it's a tall, pointy, isolated object. The Empire State Building is hit an average of 23 times a year.

Myth: If it’s not raining or there aren’t clouds overhead, you’re safe from lightning.

Fact: Lightning often strikes more than three miles from the center of the thunderstorm, far outside the rain or thunderstorm cloud. “Bolts from the blue” can strike 10-15 miles from the thunderstorm.

Myth: A lightning victim is electrified. If you touch them, you’ll be electrocuted.

Fact: The human body does not store electricity. It is perfectly safe to touch a lightning victim to give them first aid. This is the most chilling of lightning myths. Imagine if someone died because people were afraid to give CPR! When tending to a lightning victim, be aware of the continued threat of lightning, and move yourself and the victim to a safe location as soon as it is possible.

Myth: If outside in a thunderstorm, you should seek shelter under a tree to stay dry.

Fact: Being underneath a tree is the second leading cause of lightning casualties. Better to get wet than fried!

Myth: If you're caught outside during a thunderstorm, you should crouch down to reduce your risk of being struck.

Fact: Crouching doesn't make you any safer outdoors. Run to a substantial building or hard-topped vehicle. If you are too far to run to one of these options, you have no other good alternative. You are NOT safe anywhere outdoors. See our safety page for tips that may slightly reduce your risk.

Those are just a few of the myths about lightning; you can read more on the National Weather Service site. While I am fascinated by it, I still respect it, as you should too.

Stay safe during the severe weather season.