The may parallel circuits in most distribution systems help in sharing the transient current, thus minimizing its effects at any one point. Other lightning related threats include ground potential rise and electromagnetic coupling. Lightning is predictably unpredictable, so you don't know where the next strike will hit. These loads can be a transformer, motor or perhaps the solenoid in a copy machine. Poor electrical wiring practices aggravate load switching transients.
Static electricity is produced when two dissimilar materials are rubbed together.
Your shoe soles and the floor, or just normal body movements while sitting in a chair are typical examples. On dry days, static charges increase because dry materials become good insulators. Seven to twelve kV are typical limits of voltage buildup. When the humidity is high, moist skin becomes conductive, continually draining off charges and minimizing ESD effects. Transient Entry Transients gain entry to wiring and circuit traces by conduction or radiation.