Strange facts about lightning

Lightning strikes are a mysterious natural phenomenon, especially in the context of extreme climate today.

Here are the strange numbers of the phenomenon and the American prevention experience published by the US National Weather Service (NWC).

The facts about lightning

  1. In the summer of 1969, Steve Marshburn was sitting working in the bank when he was suddenly struck by lightning striking his back with tremendous strength.When he woke up, his legs were numb and banned, but he continued to work until the end of the day.The next day found a broken spine, initially not recognized as a victim of lightning because there were few external symptoms.According to Marshburn, he often suffers from migraines, his spinal column is severely affected, so his brain is affected.
  2. According to the NWS, there are about 25 million lightning strikes in the United States each year.Although it often happens in the summer, lightning can happen at any time of the year.

Picture 1 of Strange facts about lightning
Every year in the US there are about 25 million lightning strikes.

  1. In fact, many people are hurt because lightning strikes are not directly attacked but are struck by lightning on a nearby object, turning humans into victims, becoming a conductor between lightning and the ground. .
  2. Because lightning currents are transmitted to the surface spread very widely, so the level of casualties is not small, causing death and trauma because lightning is very high, even causing the entire herd of cattle to die.
  3. Brain injury, not burns, is the most common injury when struck by lightning.
  4. Lightning strikes can cause long-term discomfort due to nerve damage.
  5. According to the NWS, although the current lightning strikes tend to increase, compared to the 40s in the previous century, the number of deaths was lower.On average, in the US there were about 300 to 400 deaths each year because of lightning.Explaining the current lightning phenomenon, NWS expert John Jensenius said that most people have mobile phones, many farmers still sit on tractors without a roof so the risk of lightning is very high. .

Picture 2 of Strange facts about lightning
Victims were struck on June 13, 1991 at the Hazeltine National Golf Club, Chaska (USA).

  1. Many people think that golfers are at greatest risk of being struck by lightning, but according to NWS statistics, from 2006 to 2014, fishermen have a rate of 3 times higher than that of golfers. And those who go camping and boating have twice the death rate compared to golfers.
  2. At the same time, men from 10 to 60 years old were subject to the most lightning strikes, the reason that two thirds of these people participated in outdoor activities before being struck by lightning .

How to prevent lightning in accordance with the recommendations of the NWS

  1. When you hear thunder, move immediately to a safe shelter, such as inside a house or in a closed car.
  2. Should be safely sheltered for at least 30 minutes after hearing the final sound of thunder.
  3. Disconnect your landline, computer and other electrical or electronic devices, avoid direct contact with electricity.
  4. Avoid contact with water pipes, including sinks, bathtubs and faucets.

Picture 3 of Strange facts about lightning
More than 60 dairy cows in southern Chile were struck by lightning in April 2014.

  1. Stay away from windows and doors and archways.
  2. Do not lie on concrete floors, do not rely on concrete walls.
  3. If you are outdoors without a safe shelter, immediately leave high areas such as hills, mountains or peaks, should not lie on the ground, should not shelter under an isolated tree, Should not use a cliff or protruding rock to avoid lightning. Immediately away from ponds, lakes and water areas. Stay away from electrical objects such as barbed wire fences, power lines, windmills .