Hernando County
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS
Fact or Myth
•••
Lightning is one of nature’s deadliest and most unpredictable weather
phenomena. Meteorologists can forecast the general conditions that cause
lightning but no one can forecast the exact location or time of the next strike of
lightning. With an average of 1.4 million cloud-to ground lightning strikes
each year, no other state in the country has more lightning than Florida.
Florida’s geography plays a large role, especially during the summer. Some of
the elements that make Florida such a great place to live, such as sunshine and
the ocean, play important roles in the development of thunderstorms. Because
thunderstorm activity peaks in the summer, Florida often has the greatest
number of fatalities and injuries from lightning each year in the United States.
Thunder is a Product of Lightning
As lightning moves between the ground and thunderstorm, the air around the
flash heats rapidly, to temperatures as high as 50,000⁰ F – hotter than the
surface of the sun. This sudden heating creates expansion of the air around the
lightning bolt, breaking the sound barrier and resulting in the explosive sound
we know as thunder. Because sound travels much slower than light, thunder is
heard after a flash of lightning.
Lightning Safety
As a storm approaches, many people may assume lightning is too far away to
pose any danger, but it can travel as far as 10 miles from a thunderstorm. If
you are close enough to the storm to hear thunder, then you are close enough
to be struck by lightning.
A darkening cloud is often the first sign that lightning may strike. As soon as
you see lightning or hear thunder, move indoors quickly and stay away from
windows, plumbing and electrical devices.
Myth: If you're caught outside during a
thunderstorm, you should crouch down
to reduce your risk of being struck.
Fact: Crouching doesn't make you any
safer outdoors. Run to a substantial
building or hard topped vehicle. You are
NOT safe anywhere outdoors.
Myth: If it’s not raining or there aren’t
clouds overhead, you’re safe from
lightning.
Fact: Lightning often strikes more than
three miles from the center of the
thunderstorm, far outside the rain or
thunderstorm cloud. “Bolts from the
blue” can strike 10-15 miles from the
thunderstorm.
Myth: Rubber tires on a car protect you
from lightning by insulating you from
the ground.
Fact: Most cars are safe from lightning,
but it is the metal roof and metal sides
that protect you, NOT the rubber tires.
When lightning strikes a vehicle, it goes
through the metal frame into the ground.
Don't lean on doors during a
thunderstorm.
Myth: If outside in a thunderstorm, you
should seek shelter under a tree to stay
dry.
Fact: Being under a tree is the second
leading cause of lightning casualties.
Better to get wet than fried!
PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTER (PIC) : (352) 754-4083 or (352) 754-4111 (Recorded)
Hernando County Sheriff Office - Emergency Management National Weather Service - Brooksville
Florida Division of Emergency Management
FEMA
MyFlorida.com
American Red Cross
1
Hernando County
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS
If you are caught outside when lightning occurs, the most dangerous place to be is an
open area. When a substantial building is not available and lightning is imminent, get
into a hard-topped vehicle, but remember to keep your hands and feet away from the
side of the car, as well as the dashboard, steering wheel and windows.
Outdoor water activities such as swimming, boating and fishing are also very
dangerous during lightning. Be sure to head back to land as soon as bad weather
threatens.
Most people struck by lightning are not killed, but suffer significant injuries.
Remember that a lightning victim does not continue to carry an electrical charge and
should begin receiving emergency medical care immediately.
AT THE BEACH: Your family plans to go to the beach today. The weather forecast
calls for a nice morning followed by a 30 percent chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
When you get to the beach, you see that the only nearby structures are open-sided
picnic shelters. The parking lot is a 5 minute walk from the beach. By early afternoon
skies are darkening and hear distant thunder. What should you do? Go to your car!
Do NOT seek shelter under the beach picnic shelters. Wait 30 minutes until after the
last rumble of thunder before going back to the beach.
ON THE WATER: The vast majority of lightning injuries and deaths on boats occur
on small boats with NO cabin. It is crucial to listen to weather information when you
are boating. If thunderstorms are forecast, do not go out. If you are out and cannot get
back to land and safety, drop anchor and get as low as possible. Large boats with
cabins, especially those with lightning protection systems properly installed, or metal
marine vessels are relatively safe. Remember to stay inside the cabin and away from
any metal surfaces. Stay off the radio unless it is an emergency!
The 30-30 Rule
Then use the 30-30 Rule to
determine the threat of lightning in
your area before going out again.
30 Seconds – Count the seconds
between seeing lightning and
hearing thunder. If the time is less
than 30 seconds, lightning is still a
potential threat. Seek shelter
immediately.
30 Minutes – After hearing the last
thunder, wait 30 minutes before
leaving shelter. Many lightning
deaths occur after the storm passes.
Stay in a safe area until you are sure
the threat has passed.
OUT OF DOORS: If there is a high chance of thunderstorms, stay inside.
 Avoid open fields, the top of a hill or a ridge top.
 Stay away from tall, isolated trees or other tall objects. If you are in a forest, stay
near a lower stand of trees.
 If you are in a group, spread out to avoid the current traveling between group
members.
 If you are camping in an open area, set up camp in a valley, ravine or other low
area. Remember, a tent offers NO protection from lighting.
 Stay away from water, wet items, such as ropes, and met-al objects, such as
fences and poles. Water and metal do not attract lightning but they are excellent
conductors of electricity. The current from a lightning flash will easily travel for
long distances.
PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTER (PIC) : (352) 754-4083 or (352) 754-4111 (Recorded)
Hernando County Sheriff Office - Emergency Management National Weather Service - Brooksville
Florida Division of Emergency Management
FEMA
MyFlorida.com
American Red Cross
2