Why lightning is dangerous

Those scary flashes that often accompany thunder and storms can cause a lot of damage.

- By Jasper Knight

Big storms can be very scary. When a storm happens, dark clouds appear, heavy rain often falls, winds are gusty and unpredictable, and lightning flashes across the sky.

Lightning happens all over the world. But it's particularly common near the equator, where the strongest and most energetic thunderstorms take place. Storms can lead to all sorts of potential dangers, like flooded streets or homes, fallen trees, fires, and roofs being blown off houses.

Lightning can also be dangerous for people. No one knows how many people are killed every year by lightning, but it could be up to tens of thousands worldwide. In South Africa, about 250 people are killed every year, mainly in rural areas where there's little protection when storms take place. So there are many reasons to be careful when there's a big storm. But there are also ways you can protect yourself to avoid lightning.

Many different cultural traditions believe that lightning is caused by gods or spirits. Some people believe that lightning can be prevented by planting certain trees or shrubs near the house, covering mirrors, or placing car tyres on the house roof.

There is no scientific evidence that any of these things make you safer from lightning. But there are some practical things you can do to keep safe when lightning strikes.