Everyday, in more than 1,800 performances around the world, nature produces a breathtaking sound and light show staring millions of fire bolts that strike with dazzling speed and awesome power. Even though they are breathtaking, they are very dangerous. The average yearly death toll for lightning is greater than all tornadoes or hurricanes. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, lightning kills about 150 Americans a year and injures about 250. When lightning is close by, the thunder is a sharp, explosive sound.
More distant strikes produce the familiar growl and rumble of thunder.
The distance in miles to a lightning strike can be estimated by counting the number of seconds between lightning and thunder and dividing by five. Don't go out unless absolutely necessary. When there is no shelter, avoid the highest object in the area. If only isolated trees are near, your best action is to crouch in the open. If in a car stay inside the car and keep your hands off of metal parts.