Lightning/Thunder Storm over my Home last Night Sept 19 2005--------------- some interesting facts regarding lightning. Lightning is the result of the buildup and discharge of electrical energy between positively and negatively charged areas. Thunder is caused by the rapid expansion of heated air, and is a direct result of lightning. Thunderstorms and their associated lightning cause an average of 100 deaths and 500 injuries in the United States every year. There are some 2000 thunderstorms globally at any one time producing approximately 100 lightning strikes to earth per second. Approximately 100,000 thunderstorms occur in the United States every year. These thunderstorms generate about 15-20 million ground strikes per year. In the United States, Florida has the most annual lightning strikes. Lightning kills more people each year than hurricanes, floods or tornadoes. Your risk of being killed by lightning is 1:28,500 per exposed individual, which is significantly higher than your odds of winning a state lottery. 45% of all lightning fatalities occur in an open field, while 23% occur under trees. Once the leading edge of a thunderstorm is within 10 miles, you are at immediate risk due to the possibility of lightning strokes coming from the overhanging anvil cloud. This is why many lightning fatalities and injuries occur with clear skies directly overhead. The average lightning stroke is 6 to 8 miles long. A lightning stroke discharges up to 30 million volts at 100,000 amperes in less than 1/10 of a second. The average thunderstorm travels at 25 miles per hour and is 6 to 10 miles wide. On average, thunder can be heard over a distance of 3 to 4 miles, depending on humidity, terrain and other factors. But on some occasions can be heard up to 10 miles away. The temperature of a typical lightning bolt is hotter than the surface of the Sun! How big around is a typical lightning bolt? Answer: About the size of a Quarter to Half-Dollar! Lightning looks so much wider than it really is just because its light is so bright! An ordinary piece of steel will turn into a magnet if it is struck by lightning Approximately 30% of persons struck by lightning die, and 74% of lightning strike survivors have permanent disabilities. The six most common dangerous activities associated with lightning strikes, in order, are: Work or play in open fields. Boating, fishing, and swimming. Working on heavy farm or road equipment. Playing golf. Talking on the telephone. Repairing or using electrical appliances.