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15 Scary Facts about Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms are natural occurrences that result from the upward movement of warm and moist air into the cold air. It displays nature’s fury as it produces lightning that illuminates the skies and produces a roar of thunder that shakes the ground beneath our feet. It is considered one of the most dramatic displays of energy and power from mother nature. These storms strike unpredictably and produce light that is captivating and a reminder of the fascinating power of nature. However, this sudden display sometimes produces thunderous claps and very intense wind that uproot trees and cause significant damage to the earth’s surface. The rumbling thunder and the flashing lightning sometimes strike with enormous power that leads to loss of lives and damage. Over the years, thunderstorms have remained a captivating phenomenon that continues to fascinate the human race for centuries from myths to scientific discoveries. Despite their destructive nature, thunderstorms remind us of the incredible power of mother nature. In this article, we will explore 15 scary facts about thunderstorms.

1. Lightning can strike as far as 25 miles away from Thunderstorm

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Every thunderstorm produces lightning which can be very dangerous and destructive. However lightning can strike as far as twenty-five miles away from a thunderstorm or rain. Sometimes the lightning occurs far away from the rain or even without rainfall.  The power of lightning has detrimental effects that lead to the destruction of property as well as the loss of lives. Lightening cannot be  predicted and this makes it a leading causes of weather-related death in the globe.

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2. It is the most common Natural Phenomenon on the Earth’s Surface

A thunderstorm is one of the most common natural phenomena on earth that is responsible for deaths and destruction. According to statistics, there are about sixteen million thunderstorms that occur every year all around the world. Approximately one thousand eight hundred thunderstorms are at any time around the globe. In the United States thunderstorms occur about one hundred thousand times a year. However, not all storms are severe, only a 10% of the total storm in the United States are known to be severe.

3. Lightning is the most dangerous aspect of Thunderstorms

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Lighting is the electrostatic discharge that occurs naturally when two electrically charged regions both on earth or atmosphere neutralize themselves temporarily. This neutralization causes the release of high energy which produces light and causes roars of thunder.  According to statistics, every year, there are about two hundred and forty thousand injuries and twenty –four thousand deaths caused by lightning. worldwide, thunderstorms strikes mostly in Pakistan, Africa, and South America. In the United State lightning strike mostly in Central Florida.

4. Thunderstorms are particularly Dangerous for Outdoor Activities

Thunderstorms are particularly dangerous for outdoor activities, especially in the rain.  Thunderstorms cause very high winds that fall with a lot of pressure and heavy rains which lead to floods. Outdoor activities are dangerous in thunderstorms as the winds may cause destruction and sometimes death. The pressure of the thunderstorms can even uproot trees and cause harm to those in the surrounding. It is advisable to stay indoors during the rain and avoid outdoor activities.

5. Thunderstorms are more Frequent in Certain Regions

Some regions in the world experience thunderstorms than other areas. According to research, most thunderstorm occurs within the Intertropical  Convergence Zone. The Southeast U.S. is common with thunderstorms especially from Louisiana to Florida along the Gulf Coast. Florida is said to experience about 80 to 105 days of thunderstorms in a year. However, other areas are also affected by thunderstorms with the United States experiencing approximately one hundred thousand thunderstorms in a year. It is also a major cause of death in the United State that exceeds other natural calamities.

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6. Thunderstorms can Produce Hails that Destroy Property

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Hails are formed when rain droplets free and form precipitations of different sizes. These precipitations can be as large as golf balls or smaller in size. These hailstones fall heavily from the sky at a high speed which destroys property. When the hailstones fall on developing crops they break and damage the crops. The heavy hail also can damage vehicles on the roads by breaking the windscreens. In some severe cases, the large-sized hails can fall hard on the houses and destroy structures and even penetrate the roofs.

7. It can hinder Transportation and Sometimes Destroy Infrastructure

Thunderstorms hinder transportation especially air flights as it causes turbulences in the air and sometimes they can lead to accidents. Lightning on the other hand can damage the runway lights and heavy winds prevent flights from taking off.  The heavy winds and floods lead to the breakage of bridges as well as the destruction of roads. The heavy winds also uproot trees and lead to the fall of power lines which may obstruct roads and make it impossible for vehicles to cross.  In such instances, people can’t move from one place to another.

8. Lightning can cause fires and Lead to Significant Loss

Lightning can sometimes strike and cause fires to arise from the electricity discharged there. In the instance where lightning strikes an object, it can cause the heat around the object to increase significantly. The significant heat can sometimes ignite a fire and lead to loss of property and life. In the dry area, the fire can spread very fast because of the strong winds and this mostly leads to wildfires. The impact of the fires is the destruction of habitats and loss of property and life.

9. Thunderstorms can produce Flash Floods

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Thunderstorms can produce flash floods which are very dangerous as they carry along anything on the way. Flash floods can happen within minutes but cause significant damage. The flash floods carry along rocks and other debris and objects which can knock down houses and businesses. It is a major threat to communities and homes as the floods carry away livestock destroy farms and property as well as cause deaths. They are particularly dangerous because they happen quickly and there is barely any time for people to evacuate.

10. Thunderstorms can Produce Wind with a Speed of up to 100 mph

 Thunderstorms can produce wind with a very high speed of up to 100 mph. The high-speed wind can uproot trees and damage buildings. It is very dangerous as it goes on to destroy property and even lead to loss of life. The effects of this wind also cause the knockdown of power lines and other structures leading to loss of power in other areas. It can cause a loss of life and catastrophic damage.

11. Thunderstorms can lead to Hazardous Driving Conditions

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Thunderstorms come along with heavy clouds, fog, and mist. These conditions make it difficult to drive on the roads by reducing visibility. The high winds also may push vehicles to the sides as well as slick roads. The heavy winds also destroy infrastructures including bridges and make it difficult to drive.  Heavy winds make it difficult to control vehicles hence there are high chances of causing accidents.

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12. Thunderstorms can Cause or Trigger Respiratory Problems

According to research, thunderstorms cause changes in the atmosphere in the humidity, temperatures, and air pressure. It also leads to an increase in the concentration of allergens, mold, and pollen in the air. The concentrated particles are inhaled and enter the respiratory system. These particles affect the respiratory system and end up triggering Asthma and other respiratory infections.

13. Thunderstorms can sometimes form Tornados

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Tornado is sais to be a rotating column of wind that is in contact with both the clouds and the earth’s surface. They are a combination of strong winds rains and hails that are extremely dangerous. Tornados are very violent and can lead to mass destruction and loss of life. They are the most destructive natural occurrences on earth from their power of destruction. However, weather forecasters give warnings about its occurrence as well as give safety measures to avoid the condition.

14. It can cause major Damage to the Electrical System

Thunderstorms have for years been a major problem, especially in the electrical system. The strong and heavy winds lead to the breakdown of power posts leading to power shortages in many areas. Lightning damages the electrical equipment and sometimes causes fire. It is advisable to stay away from power grips during the rainy seasons as lightning may strike and cause serious injuries.

15. It can lead to heavy rains that cause Landslides and Mudslide

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Thunderstorms cause heavy rains that cause floods, landslides, and mudslides. The heavy winds and floods from the thunderstorms cause landslides and mudslides. Flash floods can be very dangerous as they occur within minutes and lead to major losses. The landslides also lead to erosions and can easily destroy structures and houses.

Thunderstorms are one of the most dangerous natural occurrences that destroy property and life. According to statistics, thunderstorms claim more than twenty thousand lives every year. They are also associated with a hailstone, flash floods, lightning, and tornados which can be very dangerous.