Why Is a Mountaintop a Bad Place to Be in a Thunderstorm?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why is a mountaintop a bad place to be in a thunderstorm?

The Big Idea

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.

Tall Targets

Step one: tall targets. Lightning is attracted to tall, pointed things. On a bare peak or ridge, a hiker may be the tallest object around.

Start Early

Step two: plan ahead. That is why hikers start early, watch the sky, and head downhill when clouds build or thunder rumbles. Grown-ups leading a hike make this plan before the trip.

Find Shelter

Step three: go to shelter. If you hear thunder, move toward shelter, such as a building or a car. Never wait. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be hit.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! First, watch the sky for building clouds. If you hear thunder, lightning is close. Head downhill, away from high places. And get inside a building or a car.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to be dangerous. Wait about 30 minutes after the last thunder before going back out. Lightning can strike many miles away from the storm. Our rule: when thunder roars, go indoors.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, learn the rule: when thunder roars, go indoors. Make a poster to remind your family. Add a picture of a safe building or a car. Hang it where everyone can see it.

Outro

When thunder roars, go indoors. Staying safe is smart science! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!