[TowerTalk] Fwd: Static Discharge Porcupines?

Randy randy at verizon.net
Wed Aug 12 19:41:37 EDT 2015


On 8/12/2015 3:02 PM, Jim Lux wrote:
> On 8/12/15 9:04 AM, David Robbins wrote:
>> "It appears to me that there are no ways to predict where the 
>> lightning will strike. Yes, you know that it will be somewhere below 
>> a the thunder storm passing by but the strikes seem to ignore high 
>> structures from not that high."
>>
>> actually no, you don't know that it will be somewhere below the 
>> thunderstorm.  the large positive strokes often reach out quite a 
>> distance from the cloud.  This
>> is because they normally originate from the top of the cloud and come 
>> out horizontally then down.  these strokes are where the phrase 'bolt 
>> from the blue' came from as they can appear to come out of clear blue 
>> sky.
>>
>> __
>
> This phenomenon is a significant cause of the injuries and deaths from 
> lightning in Florida. 15-20km horizontal distance is not unusual.
>
> Hence the guidance: If you see thunderstorms, get out of the water. 
> Visual horizon for 2m above the surface is 5km away.
>
>
> _______________________________________________

The "anvil head" tops of the cumulonimbus storm clouds typical here in 
FL are often above and behind the observer, relative to the visible 
rain/lightning, and easily go un-noticed. If you can hear thunder, you 
are/have been in danger.

Randy
KZ4RV




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