Lightning Can Kill Before Storm Strikes 6/20/03

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Comparing quickness to the "speed of lightning" might be considered a compliment. The speed of lightning – up to 100,000 miles per hour – is nothing to joke about, though, said Mike Bradshaw, K-State Research and Extension health and safety specialist.

Kansas ranks second (nationally) in reports of property damage from lightning and 22nd (nationally) in the number of deaths attributed to it, said Mary Knapp, state climatologist based at Kansas State University.

In a typical year, the number of deaths attributed to lightning (80 to 100) outranks the number of deaths attributed to other storms, including tornadoes and hurricanes, she said.

There’s no guarantee that lightning won’t strike the same place twice. Be prepared.

– Mary Knapp, state climatologist based at K-State Research and Extension

Bradshaw has witnessed such a death: While attending an outdoor, historic re-enactment in Wyoming when a storm came up, some who were attending the event sought protection under trees. Lightning struck a tree and one person died, he said.

"When lightning strikes a tree, the tree may split, burn or explode. All can be dangerous," the safety specialist said.

Raising awareness can reduce risks, and the National Weather Service has declared June 22-28 as Lightning Safety Awareness Week, Bradshaw said.

Some may not realize that lightning can strike from a seemingly sunny sky. The National Lightning Safety Institute provides this explanation: The static charge that occurs when walking across a carpet and then touching a metal object, such as a door knob, simulates lightning.

As a thundercloud builds, charged particles of water droplets and ice separate from the cloud. Positively charged particles move to the top of the cloud; negatively charged particles move to the bottom of the cloud. When the difference in voltage between the positive and negatively charged particles increases, the resulting electricity is discharged as a bolt of lightning that can strike several times within a half second.

The discharge of electricity from the bolt heats up the air surrounding the lightning bolt and causes the rapid expansion of air that causes thunder.

Lightning can strike from clouds to the ground, vice versa, and within clouds themselves. It also can strike before it rains. Deaths that are attributed to lightning most often occur in open fields, such as a baseball diamond or football field; near an isolated tree or on a golf course; on a boat or near water; on a tractor or other heavy equipment; or in contact with a telephone or other electrical appliance, such as a television or computer, that relies on electrical power from an outside source.

* Listen to the weather and heed weather warnings. The National Weather Service offers this rule: When lightning is seen, count the seconds until thunder is heard. If it is 30 seconds or less, seek shelter and stay there until 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder is heard.

* Seek shelter in a substantial building or enclosed metal vehicle. Avoid metal buildings or canopies, such as a picnic shelter, that may attract lightning.

* If outdoors, avoid water, open fields and high ground, as well as metal objects, such as a power tool or farm machinery.

* If lightning is striking nearby, crouch down. Place feet together and place hands over ears to minimize sound from thunder.

* If inside, unplug appliances. Minimize use of the telephone (which also can transmit an electrical charge) and wait to take a shower or bath until the storm has passed.

If trying to assist someone who has been struck by lightning, check to see if he or she is breathing, administer CPR, and ask someone to call 911, Bradshaw said.

People who are struck by lightning do not carry an electrical charge. The charge can, however, damage or destroy internal organs and cause death, he said.

For more information on personal safety and emergency preparedness, contact a local K-State Research and Extension office or check http://www.oznet.ksu.edu, click on "Home, Family and Youth," and then click on "Safety."

K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.