All About How Lightning Strikes Are Formed | SERVPRO® of Houston County

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

There are quite a few ways that thunderstorms can cause damage, but perhaps one of the most
dangerous and most misunderstood ways is via lightning strikes. We wanted to take the time to
go over what lightning is, when it occurs, where it strikes and what damage it can cause to your
property so you can be aware and prepared.

What Is Lightning?

Lightning is an electrical spark on an atmospheric level. It occurs when there are positive and
negative charges between clouds, in the air or between the clouds and the ground. When this
charge builds past a threshold, there is a sudden discharge of the electricity—which is what we
see as a flash of lightning. The lightning’s goal is to balance out the atmospheric charge, which
is why it will strike an object and travel through it to the ground. After this, the charges are
balanced until they begin building up again.

When Does Lightning Occur?
Lightning occurs every time there is a thunderstorm! All thunderstorms have lightning because lightning is actually what produces thunder. When lightning strikes, either between clouds or toward the ground, the force creates the loud crack we know as thunder. Thunder can be heard as far as 25 miles away from where the lightning strike occurs, which is why you can sometimes hear thunder without ever seeing a lightning strike.

What Do Lightning Strikes Target?
There are quite a few myths regarding where, what and how often lightning strikes during
thunderstorms. It is true that lightning will generally target taller objects—that is why skyscrapers generally have lightning rods and one should never seek shelter under a tree during a storm. However, because lightning is simply looking for the most simple path to reach the ground, lightning can really strike anywhere, including in the same place more than once. It will seek out any place an opposite charge builds up in order to ground itself and release the atmospheric charge we mentioned earlier.

What Property Damage Can Lightning Do?
Lightning can cause significant property damage if it strikes your home. Not only can it lead to
power surges as it travels through your outlets, but it can also cause fires later on if it damages
electrical wiring within the walls. It can also cause combustion when it strikes as it is hot enough
to set wood and building materials on fire.

If your home has been damaged in a storm, we are here for you. Get in touch with us any time
to be guaranteed a quick response.