wind turbine struck by lightning
What is lightning?
When a thunderstorm is near, you may see or hear a bright flash and an accompanying loud bang. This is called lightning. Lightning is a giant spark of electricity in the atmosphere between the clouds, and the ground.
A single lightning flash is typically about 300 million volts and can contain up to one billion joules of energy. That is enough energy to power a 100-watt lightbulb for about three months or to cook a frozen pizza in about two seconds.
Most lightning occurs within the clouds.
This is called intra-cloud lightning or cloud-to-cloud lightning. Intra-cloud lightning is not often seen because the clouds block the view.
The second type of lightning is cloud-to-ground lightning. This is the type that strikes the ground, and it is the type that is most often associated with thunder.
When a cloud-to-ground lightning bolt occurs, a giant spark of electricity travels from the cloud to the ground in a fraction of a second. The air around the bolt is heated to temperatures five times hotter than the sun’s surface. This causes the air to expand rapidly and create the sound waves that we hear as thunder.
Lightning can also occur between the ground and an object, such as a tall tree or building. This is called ground-to-object lightning.
Lightning can strike the same place more than once. In fact, the Empire State Building in New York City is hit by lightning about 23 times each year.
Lightning can strike anywhere, but it is more likely to strike:
– Tall objects, such as mountains, towers, and trees.
– Places that are open and exposed, such as open fields, golf courses, and beaches.
– Objects that are conductors of electricity, such as metal fences, power lines, and railroad tracks.
Lightning can be dangerous. Each year, lightning kills an average of 47 people in the United States.
You can reduce your risk of being struck by lightning by following these safety tips:
– When thunderstorms are in the forecast, postponing outdoor activities
How does lightning form?
Lightning is a naturally occurring electrical phenomenon caused by the buildup of static charge in the atmosphere. This charge is typically generated by the interaction of warm and cold air masses, or by the friction of wind blowing over the surface of the Earth. When the charge becomes sufficient, it will discharge in the form of a lightning bolt.
The exact process by which lightning forms is still not fully understood, but it is known that the atmosphere must be capable of conducting electricity in order for it to occur. The discharge of lightning typically occurs between oppositely charged areas within the atmosphere, such as between a cumulonimbus cloud and the ground.
When a discharge of lightning occurs, it does so in one of two ways: either as a cloud-to-ground lightning bolt, or as a cloud-to-cloud bolt. Cloud-to-ground lightning bolts are by far the most common, and typically occur when the charge in the atmosphere becomes too great and must be released.
Cloud-to-cloud bolts are much less common, and typically only occur in areas where there is a large amount of atmospheric turbulence. These bolts typically occur between two cumulonimbus clouds, or between a cumulonimbus cloud and an anvil cloud.
What are the dangers of lightning?
Lightning is one of the most dangerous weather phenomena that we experience here on Earth. It can strike without warning, and often with devastating results. In the United States alone, lightning strikes kill an average of 49 people each year and injure hundreds more.
While most lightning strikes occur during thunderstorms, they can also occur during other types of severe weather, such as hurricanes and winter storms. Lightning can also strike 10 miles or more away from the center of a thunderstorm. This is why it’s so important to be aware of the dangers of lightning and take steps to protect yourself and your property.
The most dangerous place to be during a lightning storm is outdoors. If you can, take shelter inside a building or car. If you can’t, avoid being the tallest object in the area and stay away from water. Lightning strikes the ground more often than any other object, so you’re also at risk if you’re standing on high ground.
Lightning can also be dangerous indoors.
In fact, most lightning deaths and injuries occur when people are inside. Lightning can enter homes and other buildings through electrical wiring, plumbing, and even metal roofing. It can also travel through windows and doors.
If you’re indoors during a lightning storm, the best thing to do is to stay off of corded phones, computers, and other electronic equipment. Avoid using plumbing, and don’t take a shower or bath. If you can, unplug appliances and other electronics. If you can’t, turn them off at the circuit breaker.
Lightning is one of nature’s most spectacular displays. But it’s also one of the most dangerous. By understanding the dangers of lightning and taking steps to protect yourself, you can stay safe during severe weather.
How can you stay safe during a lightning storm?
Lightning is one of the most dangerous weather phenomena out there. It can strike without warning, and it can be deadly. That’s why it’s so important to know how to stay safe during a lightning storm.
Here are some tips:
– Avoid open spaces. If you’re caught outdoors, try to find shelter in a building or car.
– Stay away from tall objects. Lightning tends to strike the tallest object in the area, so if you’re in a group, spread out to reduce the risk.
– Avoid water. Lightning can travel through water, so don’t swim or bathe during a storm.
– Don’t touch metal. Lightning can travel through metal, so avoid touching fences, power lines, or other metal objects.
– Disconnect electronics. If you can, unplug electronics and turn off power at the main breaker. This will help protect your equipment from a power surge.
– Stay inside. If you can, stay inside during a storm. Stay off the phone and away from windows.
– Monitor the weather. Keep an eye on the forecast and be aware of when a lightning storm is expected. That way, you can be prepared and take shelter before the storm hits.
By following these tips, you can help keep yourself safe during a lightning storm. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!
What are some interesting facts about lightning?
Lightning is one of the most fascinating and dangerous weather phenomena. Here are five interesting facts about this electrifying force of nature:
1. Lightning is a giant spark of electricity that occurs when the atmosphere is unstable.
2. The temperature of lightning can reach up to 30,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to melt metal.
3. Lightning often strikes from the ground up, rather than from the clouds down.
4. One lightning bolt can contain up to one billion volts of electricity.
5. Lightning is responsible for an estimated $1 billion in damage and insurance claims each year in the United States.