Fact Check: "Lightning can strike far from a cloud, shocking witnesses"
What We Know
The claim that lightning can strike far from a cloud is supported by multiple authoritative sources. The National Weather Service (NWS) states that lightning often strikes more than three miles from the center of a thunderstorm, far outside the rain or thunderstorm cloud. Specifically, "bolts from the blue" can strike as far as 10-15 miles away from the thunderstorm itself (NWS). This phenomenon occurs when lightning travels horizontally from the upper part of a thunderstorm before striking the ground, creating the appearance of lightning coming from a clear sky (FOX Weather).
In a recent incident, a "bolt from the blue" struck a beach in Columbia, South Carolina, injuring 20 people while the skies were clear. This event underscores the unpredictability of lightning strikes and the dangers they pose even when the weather appears calm (FOX Weather). Additionally, experts like John Jensenius from the National Lightning Safety Council have noted that lightning can strike the ground up to 10 miles away from its originating thunderstorm (FOX Weather).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is robust and comes from credible sources, including the National Weather Service and meteorological experts. The NWS is a reputable government agency responsible for monitoring weather conditions and issuing safety information. Their data indicates that lightning can indeed strike far from its source, which aligns with the experiences reported by witnesses during lightning events.
The reliability of the sources is high, as they are based on scientific observations and expert testimonies. The incident in Columbia, South Carolina, serves as a real-world example that illustrates the dangers of lightning strikes occurring far from visible storm clouds. The report from FOX Weather, which cites both the NWS and expert meteorologists, further corroborates the claim by providing specific examples and statistics about lightning behavior.
While some anecdotal reports may exist that contradict this claim, they often lack the scientific backing that the aforementioned sources provide. The consensus among meteorologists and safety organizations is clear: lightning is unpredictable and can strike unexpectedly, even in clear weather.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "lightning can strike far from a cloud, shocking witnesses" is true. The evidence from credible sources such as the National Weather Service and expert meteorologists supports the assertion that lightning can indeed strike many miles away from its originating thunderstorm, often leading to dangerous and unexpected situations.
