Electrical Risks Associated with Lightning:
Apart from water, electrical devices connected to power outlets should also be avoided during a thunderstorm. The use of corded telephones, computers, or plugged-in electronics increases the risk of electrical shock if lightning strikes the power lines. However, cell phones and wireless devices are safe as long as they are not plugged into a charger.
When lightning strikes a house, electricity tends to follow the path of least resistance to reach the ground. Metal pipes and water within plumbing systems serve as excellent conductors, making showers particularly dangerous during a thunderstorm.
A shower combines two major risk factors:
- Water – which conducts electricity
- Metal pipes – which enhance conductivity
This makes the shower one of the most dangerous places to be during a thunderstorm.
How Powerful is a Lightning Strike?
According to the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS), a single lightning strike can heat the surrounding air to 50,000°F (27,760°C) – five times hotter than the surface of the sun.
Immediately after the lightning flash, the surrounding air rapidly cools and contracts, generating the shockwave that we recognize as thunder.
The Deadly Impact of Lightning:
Lightning can be fatal in various ways:
- Direct strike: A person hit directly by lightning is likely to die instantly. Survivors are extremely rare.
- Contact injury: If a person touches a car, metal structure, or another object struck by lightning, they can suffer burns, muscle injuries, or even brain damage.
- Ground current: Lightning can also travel through the ground and “jump” onto nearby people or objects, making even indirect exposure dangerous.
- Side flash: If lightning strikes a tall object (such as a tree or building), it can branch out and hit a nearby person.
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