We may not be the lightning capital of the world, but the Tennessee Valley sure can get a mean thunderstorm.
And despite lightning related deaths on the decline in the country, the Tennessee Valley was responsible for two incidents just last year.
Here in the Pinpoint Weather Center, we are advising people to be more weather aware.
Chief Meteorologist Maggie Dinizio says, “The best way to stay aware of thunderstorms is just to stay aware of your surroundings. If you see those dark clouds or hear thunder or see lightning, you are close enough to get struck, which is why we always say all summer long and even all year long ‘When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors.'”
As for the best place to be during a thunderstorm, well, that’s inside, but we know that isn’t always possible.
“If you do find yourself stuck outside in a thunderstorm and you can’t get inside, what you should do is avoid open spaces, so any open fields and also avoid any tall object such as trees or telephone poles.”
In the end, being proactive regarding storm safety takes the extra effort, but it sure beats being reactive or lack there of.
