How far away did lightning strike when the rumbling of thunder was heard 6 seconds after the lightning flash?
Use Thunder to Estimate Lightning Strike Distance
| If you hear thunder… | The lightning is… |
|---|---|
| 15 seconds after the flash | 3 miles away |
| 20 seconds after the flash | 4 miles away |
| 25 seconds after the flash | 5 miles away |
| 30 seconds after the flash | 6 miles away |
How far away is a lightning strike if you hear the thunderclap?
When you are out in the great outdoors and have no internet access, you can calculate the distance of a storm using the simple 3-second rule: Just count the seconds between when you see the lightning strike and when you hear the thunder clap and divide this number by three.
How do you calculate thunder distance in km?
If you want to know approximately how far away is lightning in miles, divide the number of seconds by 5, for kilometers divide the seconds by 3. It will give us 3 miles or 5 kilometers.
Is it safe to stand near a window during a thunderstorm?
Fact: While a house is the safest place you can be during a storm, just going inside isn’t enough. You must avoid any conducting path leading outside, such as electrical appliances, wires, TV cables, plumbing, metal doors or metal window frames. Don’t stand near a window to watch the lightning.
Is it safe to watch TV during a thunderstorm?
It isn’t dangerous to watch TV during a thunderstorm, but the electronics in a TV set are vulnerable. If you have to make a telephone call, use a mobile phone detached from its cable rather than a landline device. Over-voltages resulting from a lightning strike may follow electrical conductors into the handset.
Why can I hear thunder without lightning?
No, it is not possible to have thunder without lightning. Thunder starts as a shockwave from the explosively expanding lightning channel when a large current causes rapid heating. However, it is possible that you might see lightning and not hear the thunder because it was too far away. Thunder is caused by lightning.
Why does thunder sound like a bomb?
What sounded like an explosion, this rare weather phenomenon is actually caused when the air close to the ground is warm enough to cause a thunderstorm, while the cold air above produces snow. So this explains the explosive sound and the rude awakening for some.
Can you feel lightning before it strikes?
Just before lightning actually strikes, static energy is going to fill the air. If you look at your arms, you may see the hair on your arms standing on end. You may also feel a physical tingling sensation throughout your body, especially in your extremities.
What is a safe distance from lightning?
While lightning has been recorded to strike at a distance of 10 miles, the rule of thumb used for safety is a six mile distance. Thus, seeking shelter is recommended if the lightning is six miles away or less.
Can I use the toilet during a thunderstorm?
A toilet is probably as safe a place as any in a lightning storm, if you’re not touching metal. Porcelain is a great insulator. If you have metal plumbing instead of PVC, lightning can follow the pipes through your walls and give you a good (perhaps fatal) jolt.
Can I charge my phone during a thunderstorm?
While it is safe to use a cellphone (if it’s not plugged into a wall charger, that is) during a thunderstorm, it is not safe to use your landline. Lightning can travel through the phone lines—and if it does, you could be electrocuted.
How can you calculate the distance between lightning and Thunder?
Since you see lightning immediately and it takes the sound of thunder about 5 seconds to travel a mile, you can calculate the distance between you and the lightning.
How long does it take for Lightning to travel a mile?
If you hear the sound of a rumble, lightning is at least several miles away. To calculate the lightning thunder distance, you need to understand the difference between the speed of sound and light. It typically takes the sound of thunder 5 seconds to travel a mile.
How many miles from lightning strike can you hear thunder?
Thunder can be heard from a distance of approximately 10 miles from the point of the lightning strike. If you can hear the sound of thunder, it’s a warning that you’re within striking distance of the storm.
How long does it take for the sound of Thunder to travel a mile?
It typically takes the sound of thunder 5 seconds to travel a mile. So, by counting the number of seconds it takes between the flash of lightning and the sound of thunder, you can determine how far you are from the lightning strike.
