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Thunderstorm information
Direct Energy, September 15, 2023
10 minute read
Thunderstorm information
Direct Energy, September 15, 2023
10 minute read
A thunderstorm is a type of storm with lightning and thunder caused by an updraft, which occurs when warm, moist air rises vertically into the atmosphere. The updraft creates a cumulus cloud, which eventually becomes a thunderstorm cloud.
The basic ingredients that form a thunderstorm are:
Thunderstorms are a way for the atmosphere to release energy. When warm, moist air meets cold, dry air, the warm air rises; the water vapor condenses and forms a cloud. As the water vapor condenses, it releases heat, a form of energy. Much of the thunderstorm's energy comes from the condensation process that forms the thunderstorm clouds. As the thunderstorm progresses, eventually, the rain cools the entire process down, and the energy is gone.
Thunderstorms help keep the Earth in electrical balance. The Earth's surface and the atmosphere conduct electricity easily as the Earth is charged negatively and the atmosphere positively.
Thunderstorms are dangerous and can result in several of hazards.
Lightning is a form of electricity in the atmosphere. During the first millionth of a second in a common lightning strike, a negative charge probes downward from the cloud. At the same time, a positive charge probes skyward. When they connect, up to one billion watts of electricity blasts upwards. The air in the lightning bolt turns into plasma, as hot as 50,000°F, ten times hotter than the surface of the sun.
Lightning strikes can set trees or houses on fire. Lightning can enter your home by following wires and pipes that go into the ground; it can also travel through metal reinforcing wire or bars in concrete and explode. Lightning often knocks out power lines and sends powerful electrical surges through electrical and phone lines. Once in your home, they can burn out appliances and other electronics.
Myth | Fact |
---|---|
If you are caught outside during a thunderstorm, you should crouch down to reduce your risk of being struck. |
Crouching does not make you any safer outdoors. Run to a substantial building or hard topped vehicle. You are NOT safe anywhere outdoors. |
Rubber tires on a car protect you from lightning by insulating you from the ground. | Most cars are safe from lightning, but it is the metal roof and metal sides that protect you. Remember, convertibles, motorcycles, bicycles, open-shelled outdoor recreational vehicles and cars with fiberglass shells offer no protection from lightning. |
If outside in a thunderstorm, you should seek shelter under a tree to stay dry. |
Being underneath a tree is the second leading cause of lightning casualties. |
Structures with metal, or metal on the body like jewelry, cell phones, Mp3 players, watches, etc., attract lightning. |
Height, pointy shape, and isolation are the dominant factors controlling where a lightning bolt will strike. The presence of metal makes absolutely no difference on where lightning strikes. When lightning threatens, take proper protective action immediately by seeking a safe shelter. While metal does not attract lightning, it does conduct it so stay away from metal fences, railing, bleachers, etc. |
If trapped outside and lightning is about to strike, you should lie flat on the ground. |
Lying flat increases your chances of being affected by potentially deadly ground current. If you are caught outside in a thunderstorm, keep moving toward a safe shelter. |
If you touch a lightning victim, you will be electrocuted. |
The human body does not store electricity. It is perfectly safe to touch a lightning victim to give them first aid. |
If you are in a house, you are 100% safe from lightning. |
A house is a safe place to be during a thunderstorm as long as you avoid anything that conducts electricity such as corded phones, electrical appliances, wires, TV cables, computers, plumbing, metal doors and windows. |
Thunder is caused by lightning. When a lightning bolt travels from the cloud to the ground, it opens up a hole in the air called a channel. Once the light is gone, the air collapses back in and creates a sound wave that we hear as thunder. We see lightning before we hear thunder because light travels faster than sound.
During an electrical storm, avoid:
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