Many people share the common fear of being struck by lightning in a thunderstorm, and for good reasons. But have you ever stopped to think about what really happens when you're struck by lightning?
More than 90% of lightning strike victims survive the experience; nevertheless, there's a lot more happening behind the scenes that you should be worried about.
For example, being struck by a bolt of lightning can short-circuit the sensitive electrical signals in your body, such as those that control the heart. Side effects might include cardiac arrest, seizures, or amnesia, among other things.
Lightning is also very hot; up to five times hotter than the Sun's surface. Being struck by something so hot has its own implications. The metal objects you wear, such as your watch, can become super-heated and cause third-degree burns. Moreover, the sweat on the surface of your skin can boil off in seconds.
Getting struck by lightning imposes several hazardous risks, so the best thing to do is avoid the situation altogether. Stay indoors when lightning is afoot and keep yourself informed with the weather app on your smartphone.
