Lightning Facts and Myths — What Is Actually True?

Myths Debunked

"Lightning never strikes the same place twice"

FALSE. Lightning frequently strikes the same place, especially tall structures. The Empire State Building is hit about 25 times per year.

"Rubber tyres protect you in a car"

PARTIALLY FALSE. The car's metal body conducts lightning around you (a Faraday cage effect), not the tyres. Convertibles and fibreglass-bodied vehicles offer no protection.

"If it is not raining, you are safe"

FALSE. Lightning can strike 16 km from the nearest rainfall. Many lightning deaths occur under clear skies.

"Metal attracts lightning"

FALSE. Lightning strikes the tallest point, not the most metallic. However, metal conducts electricity, so holding a metal object makes injuries worse if struck.

"Lying flat on the ground is the safest position"

FALSE. Ground currents from nearby strikes spread outward. Lying flat increases your contact with the ground. Crouching on the balls of your feet is safer.

Surprising Facts

• Lightning is 5 times hotter than the surface of the sun (30,000°C vs 5,500°C)
• A single bolt contains enough energy to toast 100,000 slices of bread
• Lightning creates ozone — that fresh smell after a thunderstorm
• About 2,000 people are killed by lightning worldwide each year
• Men are struck 4-5 times more often than women (likely due to outdoor occupation and recreation patterns)
• Lightning can and does travel through plumbing and phone lines indoors

The Safest Places

1. A large enclosed building
2. A hard-topped metal vehicle
3. Away from windows, plumbing, and electronics

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