What you should know about lightning strikes-

6/18/2020 (Permalink)

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A lightning strike is a discharge of atmospheric electricity which is generated by an accumulation of differing charges within a cloud. It is one of the most common causes of weather-related deaths in the U.S.  

Each year lightning  strikes cause billions of dollars in property damage and complete devastation. Lightning can start a direct fire because the core temperature of a lightning strike is approximately 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The harm to structures, electronics, building systems and vehicles can be extensive, causing loss of product and major downtime. 

Major hazards caused by lightning:

Fire damage: The biggest threat lightning poses to a structure is fire . Wood and other flammable construction materials can easily explode when exposed to the high temperature of a lightning strike. Lightning current traveling through wires and pipelines instantly burns them up causing complete damage to property.

Power surge damage: If lightning chooses electrical wiring as its primary or secondary path, the explosive surge can damage all the appliances it is connected to.

Shock wave damage: Lightning produces shock waves that can be destructive. These shock waves can fracture concrete and brick and stone chimneys severely.