Coast Resorts Open Roads Forum: RV Lifestyle: Teenager killed from lighting


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Bama bluejay

Alabama

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Posted: 07/26/10 05:19pm

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A 15 yr old girl was killed yesterday at a campground while swimming and several others were injured. Story is it was a sunny hot day with just one clap of thunder and then several folks felt a jolt. The teenager and mother were several feet away from the others. The mother survived but teenager couldn't be revived. I have heard that lightning can travel for miles in the water. Very sad thing to happen. Folks be careful.

chuckster11

Idaho

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Posted: 07/26/10 06:15pm

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lightning can be pretty arbitrary-particularly in the mountains. It can come right out of a clear sky--several reported cases in Colorado over the years.
Really no way to protect oneself from these rare occurrences other than to stay inside 24/7. In this case, as described, the weather was clear--how can you be careful under this circumstance? Fate always wins.

WANDERLUST2

ALABAMA

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Posted: 07/26/10 07:05pm

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Yes Bluejay it was a tragic event here in Alabama with the teenager being killed. These summer thunderstorms are common in our area and most people know when you hear thunder to get out of water and take shelter. The rule is if you can hear it, you can be struck. Another woman was struck today not far from the other. Don't know about anywhere else but this is true for our area. Be safe.

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Posted: 07/26/10 11:23pm

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I have read that lightning can strike at least 10 miles away from the actual storm -- while you are standing under a clean blue sky. Though the ray probably connects with the actual storm.

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DosX

Illinois

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Posted: 07/27/10 08:07am

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Lightning can strike many miles from any type of storm. It's referred to as a "bolt from the blue".

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A "Bolt from the Blue" is a cloud to ground lightning flash which typically comes out of the back side of the thunderstorm cloud, travels a relatively large distance in clear air away from the storm cloud, and then angles down and strikes the ground. These lightning flashes have been documented to travel more than 25 miles away from the thunderstorm cloud (see the "LDAR" discussion below). "Bolt from the Blue" lightning flashes are a very dangerous type of cloud to ground lightning flash, as they "appear" to come out of the clear sky.

This is why it is still dangerous to be outside when thunderstorms are in the region, the lightning can, and does, strike many miles away from the thunderstorm cloud itself. This is why it is a good idea to wait 30 minutes or more after the rain ends before resuming outdoor activities.

Full article can be found HERE

rich racin

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Posted: 07/27/10 12:08pm

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It is sad. A man got hit by lightning here in my neighborhood and we did not see any warning. We saw the dark clouds and he got hit by the 1st strike. It does not seem like you can really know for sure how to avoid this.
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