What Causes Our Thunderstorms and Lightning?
Thunderstorms occur when there are electrical discharges, these cause unstable air, resulting from warm air (and colder air underneath). This results in flashes of light and sound waves. Usually it also rains or hails. Or you may even get ‘thundersnow’.
The East Midlands receives the most thunderstorms in England. Worldwide, thunderstorms are more common in hot and humid weather, like rainforests. Venezuela has the most thunderstorms on earth, often receiving them for over 150 nights a year, lasting up to 10 hours.
To determine how far away a thunderstorm is, count the seconds from the lighting flash to the thunder boom. Divide by five, and you’ll know how many miles away you are from the storm.
Safety Tips During Thunderstorms
Prepare your home in advance:
- Trim trees and shrubs
- Secure or move loose objects indoors (bins, garden furniture)
- Board up windows in exposed locations
Emergency supplies like torches, spare batteries, bottled water, and basic first aid kits should be ready, especially in rural areas where power cuts may last.
- Head indoors, if you can. Stay away from windows and doors (lighting can travel, and flying debris from strong winds can break windows). If less than 30 seconds pass between lightning and thunder, seek shelter for at least 30 minutes
- Avoid using plugged-in computers, TVs, phones or any wired device (charge devices beforehand or use battery power only). Turn off the mains switch, if safe to do so. Or use surge protectors.
- Skip showers, baths and washing dishes (or any running water).
- Keep a safe distance from trees (and open space and hilltops) and metal objects (umbrellas, golf clubs, motorbikes, wheelchairs, tent poles).
- Stay inside cars (usually). People in convertibles with fabric tops should find a safe building, as the fabric could catch fire, if struck).
- Concrete walls and floors (like basements) often have metal bars or wires. Sit on a chair, or use a non-metal mat, to avoid direct contact.
If exposed to lighting, squat close to the ground with hands on knees, and tuck your head between them, touching as little of the ground with your body (don’t lie down). If your hand stands on end, drop to the above position immediately.
Pets are often terrified of thunder, so bring them indoors if you can, and sit with them in a secure quiet room, closing the windows and curtains.
Barn animals (cows, horses, goats, chickens) can also be led sheds or barns, ensure they eat beforehand. Use surge protectors during storms. And it’s best to avoid turning on the lights. Ensure the doors and fences are strong. And leave soft bedding (like straw) on the floor, with plenty of fresh water nearby.
