As Alexander County approaches the summer season, residents will be enjoying the outdoors. Many residents will enjoy the lake, some will take a hike or enjoy a picnic, and some will garden while others might be enjoying the peace and quiet of their own back yards. While this is a super way to spend the summer, local residents must be aware of those afternoon or early evening thunderstorms. 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.