Lightning is a dangerous natural phenomenon that kills roughly 60 people in the United States every year (NOAA lightning stats). It is a fairly well-understood physical process with lots of research. However, many myths persist concerning lightning properties and safety during a thunderstorm. Below I will address some of the more common myths about lightning and the reality behind that myth.
“Staying in your car is safe because the rubber tires are insulating.”
While it is true that cars make you safe, it is not because of the rubber tires. In fact, it is the metal frame that contacts the electricity to the ground that makes you safe. Keep in mind that convertibles and motorcycles are dangerous in storms, even though they have rubber tires, because without the roof and frame, you are exposed to the lightning strike.
“Lightning always strikes the tallest object.”
While tall objects tend to satisfy the charge dissipation event of lightning, it’s not always true that lightning will choose the tallest point to strike. Lightning will always take the easiest path to travel, which usually involves the best available conductor. Tall points tend to be easy targets, but humans can serve as conductors as well in a storm. You cannot assume that you will not be struck by lightning if something tall is nearby.
“Lightning never strikes the same place twice.”
This well-known and oft-recited myth is definitely false. Lightning is a discharge of electricity that follows the path of least resistance through charged air particles. That being said, it is often attracted to the best conductor, regardless of its lightning strike history. Many tall buildings are built to be excellent grounded conductors to dissipate lightning charges. That being said, many tall buildings like the Empire State Building are struck a few dozen times each year.
“If the storm isn’t overhead you are safe from lightning.”
Just because you don’t see storm clouds overhead does not mean you are safe from lightning. Strikes can occur miles from the storm itself and only need charged air particles to occur (those particles do not have to be contained in a cloud).
“Seek shelter under a tree to stay dry in a storm.”
It is well-known that this is a myth, but some still believe it. Trees can be struck by lightning and it would be extremely dangerous to be under one when a strike occurs.
“If you are stuck outside in a storm, you should lie flat on the ground.”
Lying on the ground increases the risk of injury due to a ground current and can be very dangerous. The best advice is to quickly move to shelter.
Further Reading/References:
For more information about lightning or the myths surrounding it, check out these links.
National Weather Service: History and Mystery of Lightning
Document from NOAA on Lightning Safety Myths
National Weather Service: Myths and Facts on Lightning
