Book 20, Question 95
Why Is a Mountaintop a Bad Place to Be in a Thunderstorm?
A mountaintop is a bad place to be in a thunderstorm because lightning strikes tall, high places! On a bare peak, a person may be the tallest thing around. So the safe plan is to be somewhere else.
More fun facts
- Lightning tends to strike high points and tall objects.
- Upwind mountain slopes can get lots of lightning strikes.
- Seek shelter away from high points and tall objects.
- Hikers should get off peaks and ridges before storms arrive.
- Stay away from tree roots, which can carry ground current.
Sources: National Park Service, Science News Explores, National Park Service
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