Thunderstorms & Lightning

Thunderstorms
A thunderstorm develops in an unstable atmosphere when warm moist air near the earth’s surface rises quickly and cools. The moisture condenses to form rain droplets and dark thunderclouds.

These storms are often accompanied by hail, lightning, heavy rain, high winds, and tornadoes. Thunderstorms are usually over in an hour, although a series of thunderstorms can last for several hours.

Lightning
During a thunderstorm the air is charged with electricity. Bolts of lightning hit the ground at about 40,000 km/second — so fast that the series of strikes hitting the ground appear to be a single bolt.

What To Do When There Is Lightning

1. Estimate how far away the lightning is. Every second between the flash of lightning and the thunderclap equals 300 meters. If you count fewer than 30 seconds, take shelter immediately.
2. If indoors, stay away from windows, doors, fireplaces, radiators, sinks, bathtubs, appliances, metal pipes, telephones and other things that conduct electricity. (You can use a cellular phone.)
3. Unplug radios, computers, televisions and microwaves.
4. Do not go out to rescue the laundry on the clothesline as it conducts electricity. If outdoors, take shelter in a building, ditch or a culvert, NOT under a tree.
5. If caught in the open, do not lie flat but crouch in the leapfrog position and lower your head.
6. Do not ride bicycles, motorcycles, or golf carts or use metal tools as they conduct electricity.
7. If swimming or in a boat, get back to shore immediately.
8. If you are in a car, stay there but pull away from trees which might fall on you.
9. You may resume activity 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.