Tara A. Spears
In the tropics, the rainy season isn’t just wet, it goes hand in hand with powerful lightning storms. Lightning is one of the deadliest and most destructive weather phenomena that seriously threatens humans and animals, causing fatalities and property damage. Sadly, last week a local 13-year-old playing outdoors was killed by a lightning strike. While the community mourns it is important to reflect on how to avoid future injuries.
People who die from lightning are usually outdoors, exposed to direct electric shock. In some cases, they seek shelter under a tree, where they may receive a direct shock or suffer electrocution from induced current. Another situation that is high risk during thunderstorms is to be in a pool or boat because water conducts electricity. Unfortunately, a lightning strike on a house can also be fatal. (The author personally knows six people injured indoors.)
Lightning strikes are an underestimated threat. Although they seem to occur in isolated incidents, when the numbers are added up, the events begin to become significant. “It’s a hidden risk, and that’s why not enough attention is paid to it” said atmospheric scientist, Jaramillo Moreno.
During the summer rainy season certain geographical areas of the country favor the formation of thunderstorms: coastal regions, the Sierra Madre Occidental and the southern and central parts of Mexico. Most, if not all, lightning flashes produced by storms start inside the cloud. If a lightning flash is going to strike ground, a channel develops downward toward the surface. When it gets less than roughly a hundred yards of the ground, objects like trees and bushes and buildings start sending up sparks to meet it. When one of the sparks connects the downward developing channel, a huge electric current surges rapidly down the channel to the object that produced the spark.
Tall objects such as trees and skyscrapers are more likely than the surrounding ground to produce one of the connecting sparks and so are more likely to be struck by lightning. Mountains also make good targets. However, this does not always mean tall objects will be struck. Lightning can strike the ground in an open field even if the tree line is close by.
Many people, as I was, are unaware of the safety steps to take during a thunderstorm. The most important tip is to find a safe, enclosed shelter when you hear thunder. Even if you see blue sky, you could still be in danger. I am particularly guilty of ignoring thunder while I’m on the beach or in a pool. Don’t resume outdoor activities for at least 30 minutes after the storm. The beginning and the end of a storm are the most dangerous times.
Once you have sought shelter after hearing thunder, avoid touching metal or using water. I have a dozen family and friends that experienced a shock indoors when lightning hit their house! In some cases, the strike entered the house from the TV antenna, frying anything that was plugged in. Several had to replace all appliances besides install new electrical wiring because the lightning current burnt the existing line. Once I learned about this phenomenon, I unplug everything in my house during the storm except the refrigerator and that’s on a super commercial grade surge protector.
During the high-risk months on the coast, I keep my e reader, laptop, and battery-operated gear fully charged with books and movies downloaded because the storms will also disrupt Wifi, internet and electric service. By taking time to do a little advance planning I’m not frustrated by the situation. I love watching thunderstorms from the safety of my covered patio, the billowing tops of the clouds as the lightning illuminates the sky and ocean. It is gorgeous, mesmerizing yet so dangerous. Don’t underestimate the potential for harm; no matter if it is day or night, sunny or dark, if you hear thunder, seek shelter indoors.
