Myths About Thunderstorms Debunked

Did you know that at any point of time on Earth, there are about 1,800 thunderstorms in progress? They are capable of causing a lot more damage than you may think. After all, thunderstorms can also produce dangerous lightning, heavy wind, tornadoes, and hail. And the results of thunderstorms? They can cause property damage and injure you heavily. Hence, it is important to know the common myths about thunderstorms to keep yourself safe. Let us debunk some myths about thunderstorms!

Standing Under a Tree During a Thunderstorm Is Better Than No Shelter

This is maybe one of the most widespread, and yet deadly, thunderstorm myths. Taking cover beneath a tree, on the other hand, is one of the worst things you can do during a thunderstorm. Why is this the case? The majority of lighting happens on tall things, such as trees. When lightning hits a tree, the electricity can travel down the trunk and into the ground, resulting in a deadly “ground charge” that spreads out in all directions from the tree. Furthermore, a lightning strike can readily injure tree limbs. As a result, you risk being hit by a falling tree limb as well as being harmed by the “ground charge.” Rather, take refuge inside or in a fully enclosed vehicle.

Lightning Never Strikes Twice in the Same Place

Just like the phrase “once bitten, twice shy”, lightning will never strike the same place twice right? Absolutely wrong. Rather, it is more likely for lighting to strike the same place repeatedly. After all, there is a reason why lighting strike that particular place in the first place. Typically, lighting usually strikes a place or object that is taller, pointy, or isolated. Thus, lightning is more likely to strike these high-risk places again. For instance, l is known to have been hit up to a dozen times during a single storm. In fact, it is hit so often in a single year that it has once been used as a lightning laboratory.

Lightning Strikes Only the Tallest Object

While it is true that lighting is more likely to strike a taller object, you can never fully expect where lightning will strike next. Unfortunately, lightning can and often does strike the ground or objects close to the ground as well. In fact, it is possible for the lighting to hit the ground instead of a nearby taller tree or telephone poles. Instead, take shelter in a house, other structure, or a hard-topped, fully enclosed vehicle.

You Are Safe from Lighting If You Are Not Directly Under the Clouds

Have you heard of the phrase “bolts from the blue”? It refers to a completely unexpected occurrence. And this applies to thunderstorms too. After all, lightning often strikes more than three miles from the center of the thunderstorm. In fact, there are rare occurrences of lightning strikes in clear skies, where the areas are 10 miles away from their thunderstorm origins. Hence, if you spot a thunderstorm in your area, then it is best to stay indoors. Here is a tip. Inform yourself of any danger by checking for any thunderstorm watches and warnings, and know the difference between the two.