Residents should be aware of the surrounding skies and take precautions should a storm threaten. Following is a list of some facts relating to thunderstorms and lightning. Thunderstorms are most common in the spring and summer but can occur anytime during the year. The typical thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter and lasts an average of 30 minutes. Nearly 1,800 thunderstorms are occurring at any moment around the world.
All thunderstorms produce lightning.
Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall. Because light travels so much faster than sound, lightning flashes can be seen long before the resulting thunder is heard. To estimate the number of miles you are from a thunderstorm, count the number of seconds between a flash of lightning and the next clap of thunder, then divide this number by five. From 1959 through 1997, there were 550 reported lightning-related injuries. Lightning-strike victims carry no electrical charge and should be attended to immediately.