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Thunderstorms deliver a breathtaking spectacle—bright lightning, booming thunder—but they also hide myths that can endanger lives. One such myth is that lightning never strikes the same place twice. In reality, lightning frequently hits the same location during a single storm, and some structures—especially tall ones—receive multiple strikes over their lifetime.
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Lightning forms when electric charges build up between a storm cloud and the ground. Inside the cloud, ice crystals and water droplets collide, creating a negative charge at the base and a positive charge on the surface. When the charge difference reaches a critical threshold, a sudden discharge—lightning—occurs, often in milliseconds. Because the same cloud can accumulate charge multiple times, the same spot can be struck repeatedly in rapid succession.
Electricity seeks the path of least resistance. In a thunderstorm, the tallest object becomes the most attractive target, so mountain peaks, trees, and skyscrapers are struck far more often than surrounding ground. For example, the Empire State Building is hit by lightning roughly 25 times a year on average. This is why tall structures are fitted with lightning rods—metal conductors that safely channel the current to the earth—and why standing under a tree during a storm is one of the most hazardous choices.
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Assuming lightning will not strike the same place twice can lead people to overlook essential precautions. In the United States, lightning claims about 20 lives annually and injures hundreds more. Direct strikes on people are rare but deadly; more commonly, people are harmed by side flashes that jump from a struck object to a nearby person. After a strike, the electrical energy can travel through the ground, metal pipes, or wiring.
The safest strategy is to seek shelter inside a solid building and keep away from metal fixtures, plumbing, and windows. If a building is not available, a hard‑topped vehicle with windows rolled up offers protection, even if it is not entirely foolproof. Once you hear the first crack of thunder, take cover immediately and remain indoors for at least 30 minutes after the final rumble.
While certain sites—especially those with tall structures—are more prone to repeated strikes, the best defense is always to stay indoors during a thunderstorm.
