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in a small area where it will hit a house but miss a tall tree 50 feet away.
Another myth about lightning is that it never strikes the same place twice, Hetzel said.
“Lightning does strike the same place twice, particularly if you’ve got good protection on it,” he said. “It may strike repeatedly in one storm, let alone over a period of time. Some of the tall skyscrapers in cities, for example, get hit many times during the summer.” And there is a ranger in Yellowstone Park who has been struck seven times and still lives to tell the tale.
Mr. Hetzel said lightning also strikes some areas more than others. Part of the state of Florida, for instance, has more thunderstorms per year than any other region in the United States.
Even within a community, some sections may experience more storm activity. Storms may accumulate near mountains or follow certain air currents, giving those who live in such areas a more frequent display of their effects.
Getting hit by lightning can be fatal. In 1987 in the United States, there were 68 deaths from such strikes — a number that topped deaths from hurricanes (nine) and tornadoes (15), Mr. Hetzel said. Some 271 people were injured by lightning that same year.
Because it sends such a tremendous electrical shock through the body, lightning essentially defibrilates the heart, explanined Dr. Marcella Fiero, deputy chief medical examiner in central Virginia. Those who suffer injuries generally suffer external burns, or possibly heart and muscle damage, he added.
Even those safe inside their homes can experience such injuries from lightning if they’re not careful, Mr. Hetzel said.
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