Why lightning could still be a danger even when you’re miles away from a storm

PITTSBURGH — Few things in the weather world are more beautiful or more deadly than lightning.

As we head into the heart of severe weather season, more and more people are hitting the outdoors. Social gatherings, camping, going to the beach — all of them top the list of outdoor activities with the most lightning deaths. And men are four times more likely than women to be killed by lightning.

At the very top of the list is fishing, one of the most popular recreational activities in our area. Just three years ago, two teens were killed while fishing at Mammoth Park in Mount Pleasant Township, Westmoreland County. The storm was not particularly strong, but it did produce numerous lightning strikes as it crossed the area.

Lightning isn’t just a concern when there is a thunderstorm overhead. While not as common, lightning can go from the top of a storm cloud to an area 12-15 miles away from the storm. It’s called a “bolt from the blue”, and you won’t get any advanced warning from thunder.

That’s for two reasons.

One, lightning comes first. The rapid heating and cooling of the air surrounding the lightning bolt creates the sound wave we hear as thunder.

Two, thunder doesn’t travel as fast or as far as lightning. While lightning moves at 270,000 miles per hour, it takes thunder five seconds to travel a single mile. Thunder does move faster the warmer it is outside, averaging 760 miles per hour. But you can seldom hear it past 10 miles, leaving you no protection from a “bolt from the blue.”

Here’s the good news — 90% of people struck by lightning do survive. To protect yourself, be alert and smart when outdoors.

Why have we seen an increase in tornadoes in Western Pennsylvania?

©2022 Cox Media Group