How long lightning and thunder

Typically, a sharp crack or click will indicate that the lightning channel passed nearby. If the thunder sounds more like a rumble, the lightning was at least several miles away.

The loud boom that you sometimes hear is created by the main lightning channel as it reaches the ground. Since you see lightning immediately and it takes the sound of thunder about 5 seconds to travel a mile, you can calculate the distance between you and the lightning.

Keep in mind that you should be in a safe place while counting. Some call that "heat lightning," but it is really lightning that is over 15 miles away and too far away for you to hear the thunder! For every 5 seconds the storm is one mile away. Divide the number of seconds you count by 5 to get the number of miles. What's Happening? Regardless of the method of entrance, once in a structure, the lightning can travel through the electrical, phone, plumbing, and radio or television reception systems.

Lightning can also travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring. Lightning can travel long distances in both phone and electrical wires, particularly in rural areas.

In general, basements are a safe place to go during thunderstorms. However, avoid contact with concrete walls, which may contain metal reinforcing bars. If you plan to unplug any electronic equipment, do so well before the storm arrives. Do not wash your hands, do not take a shower, do not wash dishes, and do not do laundry.

Tall buildings and monuments are frequently hit by lightning. Avoid being near a lightning rod or standing near metal objects such as a fence or underground pipes. All rights reserved. And what does it mean if your hair starts to stand on end during a thunderstorm? Share Tweet Email. Read This Next Wild parakeets have taken a liking to London. Animals Wild Cities Wild parakeets have taken a liking to London Love them or hate them, there's no denying their growing numbers have added an explosion of color to the city's streets.

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A general rule is to keep your hands restricted to your lap until the storm has passed. Should I unplug everything during a thunderstorm? What is relative humidity and how does it affect how I feel outside? Cite This! Try Our Sudoku Puzzles!