A fisherman’s worst nightmare is being out on the water, finding that perfect spot where the fish are practically jumping into the boat, and along comes a storm. In Florida, thunderstorms occur almost daily. In fact, the frequency of storms in Florida, and their sometimes limited duration—think the 45 minute 4:00 pm daily afternoon boomer—gives some boaters a sense of invincibility when a storm comes up. Not so. A boat on the water, or a fisherman on the beach or a pier are some of the most dangerous places to be during an electrical storm. Caution should always be used in the face of a storm. Many misconceptions exist about lightning. Most of the average person’s general knowledge of lightning comes from school yard rumors and old wive’s tales. We consulted the National Weather Service to sort out the myth from the facts.

Thunder & Lightning
Lightning is a sudden and visible discharge of electricity produced in response to the build up of electrical potential between cloud and ground, between clouds, within a single cloud, or between a cloud and surrounding air. It is the visible electric discharge between rain clouds or between a rain cloud and the earth. Thunder is the result of rapid expansion of superheated air caused by the extremely high temperature of lightning. As the lightening bolt passes through the air, the air expands faster than the speed of sound generating a sonic boom. Actually, millions of sonic booms are created along the path of the lightning bolt, which we hear as a rumble. Since light travels faster than sound, you will generally see the lightning before you hear thunder. When you see lightning at the same time you hear thunder…it’s time to take cover!

Lightning Safety
Each year about 400 children and adults in the U.S. are struck by lightning while working outside, boating and fishing, standing on the beach and during other outdoor activities. About 80 people are killed and several hundred more are left to cope with permanent disabilities. Lightning travels between two objects, typically between two clouds or between a cloud and the earth. When lightning travels toward the earth, it finds the tallest object to strike; that is why you should not seek shelter under a tree during a storm.

Get off the water, out of open spaces, and away from trees
The two mostly deadly places you can be are in open spaces or under trees. Avoid open spaces and trees during thunderstorms. Also avoid things that conduct electricity such as water, utility lines, and metal fences. A boat on the open water and a fisherman with a rod in hand are excellent targets for lightning. When you are out on the water and a storm comes up--head for the safety of shore immediately. If that is not possible, radio for help and then disconnect the ariels and powerleads; in the event of a lightning strike you could be left stranded. Put your fishing rods down, do not touch any metal and crouch down as low as possible. If you can, keep your head inside the cabin. When you feel the electrical charge -- if your hair stands on end or your skin tingles -- lightning may be about to strike you. Drop to the ground immediately.

If you're still outdoors and lightning has struck close to you, crouch down into a ball on the balls of your feet. Your goal is to be the smallest target possible with the least contact with the ground. Do not seek shelter under tall or isolated trees or unsubstantial shelters. It's better to be wet from the rain than dead or disabled from lightning.
All thunderstorms produce lightning and are dangerous, but most of the danger can easily be avoided. If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike. Lightning often strikes as far as 10 miles away from rainfall and many deaths occur ahead of the storm. It is important that you seek shelter once you hear the thunder, even if the storm looks far away. Dark cloud bases and increasing wind indicate the formation of a storm. It is important to watch for these signals even before you hear thunder to get out of the way of approaching danger. During thunderstorms, no place outside is safe. But lightning safety experts agree that you can minimize your risk if thunderstorms develop or approach by following these steps:

Use the 30/30 rule.
When you see lightning, count the seconds until you hear thunder.
If this time is 30 seconds or less, quickly go inside a substantial building. If such a building is not available, a metal-topped vehicle is the next best choice.
Wait at least 30 minutes after seeing the last lightning or hearing the last thunder before going back outside.

Some Enlightening Facts & Safety Tips About Lightning

• Average Lightning Stroke is 6 miles long.
• The Temperature of lightning's return stroke can reach 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
• The surface of the sun is not even that hot! (around 11,000 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Average Thunderstorm is 6-10 miles wide.
• Average Thunderstorm travels at a rate of 25 miles per hour.
• Once the leading edge of a thunderstorm approaches to within 10 miles, you are at immediate risk due to the possibility of lightning strokes coming from overhanging anvil cloud. Because of this, many lightning deaths and injuries occur with clear skies directly overhead.
• On average, thunder can only be heard over a distance of 3-4 miles, depending on humidity, terrain and other factors.
• Approximately 100,000 thunderstorms occur in the United States each year.
• Approximately 10% of all thunderstorms are severe enough to produce high winds, flash floods, and tornadoes.
• Thunderstorms cause an average of 200 deaths and 700 injuries in the United States each year.

Storms can blow up quickly, and the best way to be prepared is to listen to forecasts and warnings through NOAA Weather Radio and review you local television and radio for forecasts and trends. Knowing the dangers and being prepared can help prevent injury or even death in the event of an electrical storm.