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Lightning: Introduction
While Kentuckians depend on spring and summer thunderstorms for needed
rain, these storms can be dangerous. They are the most common of
nature's atmospheric hazards, and more people are killed per year by
lightning strikes across the United States than by tornadoes or
hurricanes (Curran et al., 1997).
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Photo Credit: C. Clark/NOAA Photo
Library, NOAA Central Library;
OAR/ERL/National Servere Storms
Labratory. |
The development of thunderstorms requires warm, moist air and unstable
atmospheric conditions capable of supporting the growth of
cumulonimbus clouds. Severe thunderstorms with intense lightning
often develop at the leading edge of a cold front or along a squall
line ahead of the front. These storms typically develop as lines of
thunderstorms, and they are most common during spring when tropical
and polar air masses clash over the Southeast and Midwest. Many
summertime thunderstorms develop in the afternoon or early evening
hours on hazy, hot, humid days. These storms are not associated with
approaching frontal systems but are triggered by daytime heating and
tend to occur in a random fashion. While they are usually not as
strong, they can still produce severe weather, including dangerous
lightning.
Unlike other atmospheric hazards, the impacts of lightning strikes are
highly localized. They can destroy property and produce casualties.
Because of the frequency with which thunderstorms occur, individuals
and communities should implement risk management and crisis management
strategies in response to the threats associated with lightning.
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