Thunder and Lighting Don't Have To Be Scary!

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

In the Florida summers, rainstorms are happen often, sometimes even daily. They are always accompanied by thunder and lightning. According to the Office of the State Climatologist, based at Florida State University, our state has more thunderstorm activity than any other part of the nation: In a typical year on the western half on the peninsula, more than 80 days show thunder and lightning. Also, “Central Florida's frequency of summer thunderstorms equals that of the world's maximum thunderstorm areas: Lake Victoria region of equatorial Africa and the middle of the Amazon basin. The Amazon and east African areas maintain their frequency of thunderstorm activity throughout most of the year, whereas the number of thunderstorms in Florida drops off sharply in the fall and does not pick back up until spring.” 

 Storms can develop rapidly and the skies have a tendency to open up during your planned outing. If you find yourself caught outside during a severe thunderstorm, here are a few tips to help keep you safe.  

1. If you are in an open area, find a low place such as a ravine or valley. 

1. If you are in water, get to land immediately and seek shelter. 

1. If you are in a forested area, find shelter in a low area under a thick grow of small trees. 
2. If you are in a car, keep the windows closed. 

http://climatecenter.fsu.edu/topics/thunderstorms