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Sometimes we see on TV graphics of lightning strikes. How do we know that a lightning event has occurred, and how is the location pinpointed?
Vince P.
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Lightning is one of the biggest weather killers in the US with an average of 85 people losing their lives each year. Thunderstorms contain lightning and lightning causes the sound of thunder. Lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from a storm and is very dangerous.
When we use our Live 5 Vipir, often you see us put the lightning strikes onto the map and you'll see flashing where the computer indicates where lightning has struck the ground. This information comes from the National Lightning Detection Network and has been in use since the 1970's.
There are magnetic sensors and computers in use in places across the United States that form the NLDN. When lightning hits the ground, the sensors detect the electrical discharge that's very large. Sensors closest to that take the data and combine it to pinpoint the location of the lightning strike.
All thunderstorms contain lightning which is why each and every storm is dangerous and it's never safe to be outdoors during a thunderstorm.
To access Lightning Data across the country as it's happening I believe you must have a subscription. However you can get data that is fairly current. There's some links on the side with more information about the NLDN and how it operates.
Answered by KSL Meteorologist Dina Freedman
