Lightning Facts

I wanted to take time this week and highlight some of the things about lightning.

More to come tomorrow.

Information courtesy of Wunderground.com

• An average of 87 lightning fatalities are reported each year between 1959 and 1995.
  
  
• About 10% of the people struck by lightning are killed... This leaves the other 90% with various types of injuries.
  


• The primary cause of death from lighting is cardiac arrest.
  


• Unlike high voltage electrical injuries with which massive internal tissue damage may occur, lightning seldom causes substantial burns.
  


• Most lightning burns are caused by objects such as rainwater, sweat, metal coins, and necklaces being heated up and causing the burn.
  


• Lightning tends to cause injury to the nervous system and may affect any or all parts of the nervous system.
  


• If the brain is affected, the result is often difficulty with short term memory, coding new information, and accessing old information.
  


• Most lightning injuries and deaths can be prevented with advance planning, being aware of the developing weather situation, and good common sense.
  


• NOAA Weather Radio can help keep you informed with the latest thunderstorm information and safety reminders.