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Many questions (and answers) about lightning seem to focus on avoiding being hit directly by lightning but don't consider being close to where it hits the ground. Granted, it may be intentional (ie...
#2: Attribution notice added
by
System
·
2020-04-17T19:14:57Z (over 4 years ago)
Source: https://outdoors.stackexchange.com/q/13212 License name: CC BY-SA 3.0 License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
#1: Initial revision
by
Roflo
·
2020-04-17T19:14:57Z (over 4 years ago)
<p>Many questions (and answers) about <a href="/questions/tagged/lightning" class="post-tag" title="show questions tagged 'lightning'" rel="tag">lightning</a> seem to focus on avoiding being hit directly by lightning but don't consider being close to where it hits the ground. Granted, it may be intentional (ie: keeping a narrow scope) but it got me thinking:</p> <h1>What do I have to be aware of if lightning strikes close to me?</h1> <p>And just how close is too close? Is there any real difference if it hits me or if it falls at an arm's length?</p> <p>For example:</p> <ul> <li>I once heard that if it falls <em>really close</em> (but doesn't hit me directly) I'd be deafened. Temporarily, unless there's serious damage to my ear. And I'd probably be disoriented (which could be a risk in itself).</li> <li>I read that electricity from lightning often travels through the ground's edges and bends (especially if wet); so one shouldn't be too close to a wall or cliff. Also, falling rocks could be an issue here.</li> </ul> <p>I'm sure there are lots of things I should be aware of and not only the ones I mention.</p>