Lightning Safety
Image: Gavin Poh
2.
The average lightning stroke is 5-6 miles long. A lightning stroke is incredibly powerful; up to 30-million volts at 100,000 amps flow in less than 1/10 of a second.
Image: NOAA
3.
The average thunderstorm is 6-10 miles wide and moves at a rate of 25 miles per hour.
Image: Joshua Eckl
4.
Once the leading edge of a thunderstorm approaches to within 10 miles, you are at risk from lightning strokes originating in the storm’s overhanging anvil cloud. This is the reason many lightning deaths and injuries occur with clear skies overhead.
5.
On average, the thunder from a lightning stroke can only be heard over a distance of 3-4 miles, depending on the terrain, humidity and background noise around you. By the time you can hear the thunder, you are within the storm’s lightning range.
Image: Raychel Sanner
6.
The sudden cold wind that many people use to gauge the approach of a thunderstorm is the result of down drafts and usually extends less than 3 miles from the storm’s leading edge. By the time you feel the wind, the storm can be less than 3 miles away.
Image: Storm Chaser Vince Waelti
7.
Approximately 100,000 thunderstorms occur in the U.S. each year. Approximately 10% of all thunderstorms are severe enough to produce high winds, flash floods and spawn tornadoes.