Weather and Electricity

What you see VS What you dont see with lightning:

Clouds: We notice a large dark swirl or formation of clouds that are producing rain and sometimes hail. What we dont notice is that these clouds are full of charged particles and have a high voltage between the cloud and the ground.

Bolts: Bolts come across as a very bright and jagged lightning bolt and have several repeated strikes that some may enjoy to watch from a far distance. What isn’t visible is an extremely high electric current that is surrounded by a strong electric field.

Strike: These strikes are obviously dangerous but also produce a strong electric field in the air and in the ground.

When Lightning hits:

Do:

• Go inside when you hear thunder or see lightning.
• Find a sturdy house, building, or car with a hard top roof for protection
• Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after you last hear thunder

Dont:

• Retreat to dugouts, sheds, pavilions, picnic shelters or other small/metallic structures
• Use or touch electronics, outlets, or corded phones
• Go under or near tall trees, swim or be near water, be near metal objects or windows