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Thunder is the sound caused by lightning. [1] [2] [3] Depending upon the distance from and nature of the lightning, it can range from a long, low rumble to a sudden, loud crack. The sudden increase in temperature and hence pressure caused by the lightning produces rapid expansion of the air in the path of a lightning bolt. [4]
Direct damage caused by lightning strikes occurs on occasion. [56] In areas with a high frequency for cloud-to-ground lightning, like Florida, lightning causes several fatalities per year, most commonly to people working outside. [57] Acid rain is also a frequent risk produced by lightning. Distilled water has a neutral pH of 7.
Lightning also causes thunder, a sound from the shock wave which develops as heated gases in the vicinity of the discharge experience a sudden increase in pressure. The most common occurrence of a lightning event is known as a thunderstorm , though they can also commonly occur in other types of energetic weather systems, such as volcanic ...
Wildfire or bushfire (ignition of wildfires is sometimes by lightning strike, especially in "dry thunderstorms") Firestorm Fire whirl , also called firenado and fire tornado
Ball lightning is often erroneously identified as St. Elmo's Fire, whereas they are separate and distinct phenomena. [26] Although referred to as "fire", St. Elmo's Fire is, in fact, plasma, and is observed, usually during a thunderstorm, at the tops of trees, spires or other tall objects, or on the heads of animals, as a brush or star of light.
Storms spawned at least one brief tornado, sent creeks over their banks and caused flash flooding Thursday in portions of West Virginia and Kentucky, while a wintry mix coated trees and roads in ...
Dry thunderstorms occur essentially in dry conditions, and their lightning is a major cause of wildfires. [ 3 ] [ 4 ] [ 5 ] Because of that, the United States National Weather Service , and other agencies around the world, issue forecasts for its likelihood over large areas.
Lightning strikes over One World Trade Center, center right, during a thunderstorm seen from The Heights neighborhood of Jersey City, N.J., Sunday, June 2, 2013.