Community Corner

Severe Weather: Myths and Facts About Lightning

Did you know that on average, lightning kills more people per year than tornadoes? Learn some myths and facts about lightning and learn how to properly stay safe whenever the potential for dangerous lightning arises.

Troy Thompson, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
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Editor's note: Today kicks off Severe Weather Awareness week. Every day this week Rosemount Patch will feature severe weather safety tips and advice on how to prepare for severe weather from the National Weather Service, and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

Myths and Facts About Lightning

  1. Myth: If it is not raining, there is no danger from lightning.

    Fact: Lightning often strikes away from rainfall. It may occur as far as ten miles away from any rainfall. 

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  • Myth: Rubber soles on shoes or rubber tires on a car will protect you from being injured by lightning. 

    Fact: Rubber provides no protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides some protection if you are not touching metal. 

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  • Myth: People struck by lightning carry an electrical charge and should not be touched. 

    Fact: Lightning victims carry no electrical charge and should be attended to immediately. 

  • Myth: Heat lightning occurs on very hot summer days and poses no threat. 

    Fact: What is referred to as heat lightning is actually lightning from a thunderstorm too far away for thunder to be heard. However, the storm may be moving in your direction.

    • For more information about lightning safety, visit theational Weather Service Lightning Safety webpage.

    Severe Weather Awareness Week 2012

    April 16-20, with Tornado Drill Day on Thursday, April 19

    For more than 25 years, the state of Minnesota has conducted a Severe Weather Awareness Week in partnership with the National Weather Service and local governments. A statewide tornado drill is part of that event.

    The Severe Weather Awareness Week campaign helps teach Minnesotans about weather hazards and provides resources to minimize the risks associated with severe weather. Using this site as a guide, everyone is encouraged to make a plan, build an emergency kit and practice drills.

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