What does it look like to be struck by lightning?

Have you ever wondered what it looks like to be struck by lightning? Well, wonder no more! In this article, we will take a closer look at the effects of being struck by lightning. And don’t worry – you won’t need an umbrella for protection.

Introduction

Before diving into the details, let’s first define what lightning is. Lightning is a natural electrical discharge that occurs during thunderstorms when there is a buildup of electrical energy in the atmosphere. When this energy discharges, it produces bolts of lightning that can reach temperatures hotter than the surface of the sun.

Being struck by such high voltage electricity can have serious consequences on your body and health. So buckle up, grab some popcorn and let’s explore further!

The Initial Strike

When you are hit by a bolt of lightning, there are two possible scenarios: direct strike or indirect strike.

A direct strike happens when you become part of the path through which the electric current flows from the ground to the sky. This usually happens when people are outdoors during a storm or caught off-guard under tall trees while taking shelter from rain with their metal umbrellas (I see you!).

The moment your body becomes part of this path (which lasts only milliseconds), thousands of volts pulse through your body causing muscles to contract forcefully resulting in paralysis-like stiffness often leading many people losing consciousness (OUCH). Direct strikes can result in severe burns both internally and externally; however, most survivors get away with only minor injuries such as temporary blindness/deafness or loss/alteration in taste perception.

On the other hand, an indirect strike occurs when electricity follows its usual path but instead takes off course and hits another object near where someone was standing sending residual currents through conducting materials like metals making them act as conductors too – so less severe impacts than direct lighting(numbness)whew!

In either case, you have to be rushed to the hospital – don’t try and tough it out.

The Aftermath

If you are struck by lightning (direct strike particularly), once the initial shock is over (hoping it never happens), there will be a period of confusion due to varying degrees of brain impairment caused by such extreme electric jolt which in worst cases can lead permanent/semi-permanent neurological damages. In addition, as explained earlier one could temporarily lose vision or have hearing difficulties – though better than losing your life don’t you think?

It’s important to note that even if one escapes with only minor injuries after being hit directly by lightning; longer-term effects may still manifest themselves months later especially so on people who had pre-existing heart conditions(higher probability probably). Doctors advise patients that survive from lightening-strikes experience symptoms like dizziness, fatigue for long periods afterward and should make frequent visits to their physician(better safe than sorry right?).

Now while we wouldn’t wish a lighting-zap on anyone – let’s look at some ‘fun’ facts!

Lightning: Fun Facts

  • A single bolt of lightning contains enough energy to power an entire city.

  • The temperature inside a bolt of lightning can reach up 30 thousand Kelvin (that’s more than five times hotter than the surface of the sun) making it supercharged with deadly force!(Keep distance pal)

  • Benjamin Franklin was not trying fly kites during thunderstorms when he discovered electricity. He was merely testing conductivity using them! Think outside the box peeps 😉

  • While men worldwide represent substantially most victims, women walking golf courses in humid weather appear more likely get ‘shocked’ courtesy Mother Nature(Okay ladies break out those rain boots)oh my

With all these facts at hand be warned, If ever caught by storm outdoors/run indoors ASAP and stay there till danger passes(as mother told us!). And oh! Avoid swimming, taking showers or even run tap water during lightning storms(hurt myself for a fall when one is hit by the jolt travelling through hard water as conductor- you’re welcome!).

Conclusion

In conclusion, being struck by lightning can (obviously) have serious effects on your body and health. From temporary paralysis to neurological damage that could last long after recovery, it’s not something to take lightly (pun intended).

So next time a storm approaches try not be outside – stay safe indoors with friends playing board games and exercising those brain cells instead of becoming part of energy path(rt!?).

Stay protected folks!

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