I do not like thunder and lightning. I never have and don't have any plans to change. I realize it is created by God, and it serves a very useful purpose...but I do not like it. I do not like to hear it. I do not like to see it. I do not like to even think about it. However, because I care about my blogging buddies, I am forcing myself to blog about this. But, this is a one time deal...you better take notes. I know you have heard most of these things before, but it never hurts to hear them again. I am using information from a USA Today report by Jack Williams, and from the National Weather Service.
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Lightning kills close to 100 people in the US every year. And most of these are at this time of year when thunderstorms hit quickly and often.
A typical lightning strike can heat up the air around it to 50,000 degrees, which causes it to expand and contract which in turn causes sound waves. You hear this as thunder. So, even if you do not see the lightning...THUNDER MEANS IT IS THERE! Thunder should be thought of as a wake-up call. If you can hear the thunder, the lightning is within 10 miles. Thunder rarely travels further than that. A lightning strike can travel over 5 miles.
Remember this:
IF YOU HEAR IT.....FEAR IT...
IF YOU SEE IT......FLEE IT...
So, friends, if you can hear the thunder...the lightning is close enough to worry about!!!Now, I did not realize this. I always thought that the thunder just meant a storm was coming...not realizing thunder actually means the storm is here!
A permanent building is a safe place to be. But, you must be aware of these things:
***Stay away from windows...people have been killed by going to a window to look at the storm.
***Do not talk on the telephone...lightning can follow the telephone wire and strike you.
***Do not take a bath...and stay away from plumbing fixtures. In other words...just 'hold it' til the storm is over.
***Do not use or stand near electrical appliances...the lightning can follow the wiring inside. NO BLOGGING!!!!
A car can offer some protection...but it has nothing to do with the tires. If the car is struck, it will follow the metal path to the ground. Therefore...if you are seeking shelter in a car during a storm, DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING METAL. Also, be sure all the windows are rolled up. You're only safe in a metal roof car.
If you are caught outdoors, do not seek shelter in: carport, dugout, tent, picnic pavilions, under a tree, etc. If you are driving, stop. A flash of lightning can blind the driver.
I know you have all heard these warning signs hundreds of times, but maybe you are like me and did not realize that you should seek shelter when you begin to hear the thunder.
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I used to be bothered by the fact that thunder and lightning seemed so useless. Why could it not just rain with out all the lights and noise? Then one day I was preparing a lesson for some preschoolers, and I got my answer.
Eighty per cent of our atmosphere is made up of nitrogen which is essential to vegetation. But, it is floating around in the air...when the plants that need it are on the ground. Isn't it just like God to have that in His plan all along? When the intense heat of the lightning streaks through the sky, it dissolves the nitrogen into the rain which carries it to the earth. Have you ever noticed that sort of acid smell after a thunderstorm? Well, that is the nitrogen that has fallen...God's fertilizer!
This world did not just happen by accident. Every single thing was thought out and planned by a most magnificent God. Every little thing in our vast universe is here for a reason and a purpose.
Even so, I still do not like the lightning. And you can be sure that I will not be where it is. In fact, if possible, I will not even be where I can see it. But, I thank Him for it anyway...though I am not sure He believes me!
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"It is His voice that echoes in the thunder of the storm clouds. He causes mists to rise upon the earth; He sends the lightning and brings the rain, and from His treasures He brings the winds." Jeremiah 10:13
9 comments:
Well, my dear, Great facts, I dismissed the one about the bath long ago. Great reminder. Does it count on a wireless phone? What about a wireless computer (laptop unhooked?)? I'm not so savvy on these matters.
I used to have great fear of thunder and lightening as a child. I'm not as afraid of it now, but I do respect it. Great info here.
I did know some of those facts...but I did not know that lightening was as close as ten miles when you hear thunder...we used to count the seconds between the thunder and lightening and that is how far we thought it was...if there was ten seconds between them...then the lightening was 10 miles away...maybe it's almost the same therory.
I do not like to take baths or showers during thunder storms either...or talk on the phone...but now I will have an excuse not to do dishes, too...it's just we haven't had too many thunderstorms as of late, so I'll have to think of another excuse.
I always tell my kids and husband about these facts...and tell them NOT to stand on the porch or in the doorway...they look at me as though I'm crazy....hmmmm...I'm going to have to show this to them.
Thanks for the reminder...I don't mind the thunder as much as the lightening...and with either one...I love to be in the comfort of my home!
Blessings...
Teresa
Yikes!!!
Well I learn something new everyday, My 10 yr old will love to read about this so I will let her read when she comes home. She loves rain, and likes to look at lightening, but doesn't care much for the loud sounds of thunder. here in Hawaii we have thunder and lightening storms, but not like I've seen it in the states. Very interesting post to read thanks for sharing, I enjoyed my visit as well.
God bless Lorie
This one is great, what insight, thunder doesn't bother me but the lightening does. I do, do the counting to see how close or far away they are.
No showers, and yes No dish washing during this, no phone calls and nooo computer. not till it's over. I use to feel that way about the tv, but if I turn off the tv then I don't know what is going on.
""""tag you are it""" please go to my sight and get your instructions
Sharon
I just found your blog through your comments at Elizabeth Embracing Life and really enjoyed reading your recent posts. My hubby is the maintenance super in the community where we live and is always stunned when it's thundering out and there are still people in the swimming pool! Thanks for the info.
Ditto! I don't like it either and never will. It was lightning here today around lunch time.
Hugs!
Kat
Here in Florida, we have sooooo many thunderstorms throughout the summer months, and the lightening seems so close with them. I'm like you -- don't like it one bit, never did, never will. I love the nitrogen facts and stuff, but keep me far away from it!
Great information here!!!!
Cora
WOW! Thank you! Such good information for me. I am like you, I fear lightning and thunder. I am scared of them so much. God is so amazing! Truly He knows everything. He just doesn't create something He knows will not bring good.
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