Book 7, Question 32
Why Do Tall Trees and Towers Get Struck More Often?
Lightning often hits the tallest handy point. Tall trees and towers stick up into the part of the sky where the storm's electricity is. That gives lightning a shorter, easier path to the ground.
From the book
Page from A Million Whys Book 7
More fun facts
- Lightning does strike the same place twice. It often hits tall, pointy, isolated objects again and again.
- The Empire State Building in New York is hit by lightning about 23 times a year on average.
- Lightning does not always hit the tallest object around. It hits the tallest object in that particular area.
- Standing under a tree is the second leading cause of lightning injuries and deaths.
- Lightning can strike ground in an open field even when a line of trees is nearby.
Sources: National Weather Service, NOAA, NOAA
Questions kids ask
Can lightning strike the same place twice?
Yes. Tall, pointy, isolated things like the Empire State Building get hit again and again.
Should I hide under a tree in a storm?
No. Being under a tree is one of the leading causes of lightning injuries.