how far away can lightning strike
Lightning can strike the ground up to 10 miles (16 kilometers) away from the parent thunderstorm, a phenomenon known as a "bolt from the blue" or "cloud-to-ground lightning strike." However, the average distance is typically much shorter, around 1-3 miles (1.6-4.8 kilometers).
The distance that lightning can strike depends on various factors, including:
- Storm intensity: More intense storms with stronger updrafts and taller clouds can produce lightning that strikes the ground at greater distances.
- Cloud type: Cumulonimbus clouds, also known as thunderheads, are more likely to produce lightning that strikes the ground at greater distances than other types of clouds.
- Wind shear: Wind shear, which occurs when wind speed and direction change with height, can affect the trajectory of lightning and cause it to strike the ground at greater distances.
- Terrain: Lightning can strike the ground more easily in areas with flat or gently sloping terrain, as there are fewer obstacles to block the path of the lightning bolt.
It’s worth noting that lightning can strike the ground in two ways:
- Direct strike: A direct strike occurs when lightning strikes the ground directly, usually within a few hundred feet of the parent thunderstorm.
- Side flash: A side flash occurs when lightning strikes a nearby object, such as a tree or power line, and then jumps to the ground.
To estimate the distance of a lightning strike, you can use the "flash-to-bang" method:
- Count the seconds between the lightning flash and the thunder.
- Divide the number of seconds by 5 to get the distance in miles.
For example, if you count 15 seconds between the lightning flash and the thunder, the lightning strike is approximately 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) away.
