NEGAUNEE -- Hotter than the surface of the sun and striking 44 times a second worldwide, lightning is everywhere and is as visually stunning as it is deadly.
"Probably even more surprising is that we rank number two, behind the state of Florida, in lightning injuries across the whole entire country," said National Weather Service Meteorologist Matt Zika. "People would be surprised to find out that almost 750 people have been injured by lightning, and those are documented cases over the last 50 or 60 years."
Lightning can kill in the blink of an eye, without any warning.
To stay safe, the most basic precaution is simple and nearly completely effective.
"The easiest way to know it's time to seek shelter is as soon as you're hearing thunder, you're actually close enough to be struck by lightning," Zika added. "The thunder has to be coming from somewhere, so there is lightning in the vicinity."
But while you're inside, avoid objects such as corded phones and running water. These provide perfect pathways for electrical currents from lightning strikes to your home, and if you can't get inside, you can still stay protected during thunderstorms.
"In those cases, get inside a vehicle," Zika says. "Provided the windows are closed and you're not in a convertible, you're going to have the protection you need in a lightning storm because your vehicle is a very safe place to be in a storm."
If you can't find shelter nearby, the best solution is to keep moving until you do.
Still, as the National Weather Service says, when thunder roars, go indoors.
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