Lightning is one of the biggest dangers associated with thunderstorms.

Lightning can occur at any time of day and at any time of the year so you should always be aware of the dangers it brings.

Remember if you hear thunder you are close enough to be at risk from lightning. There have been documented cases of lightning striking 20 to 25 miles away from the parent thunderstorm.

Thunder is always associated with lightning. Thunder is actually a shock wave created by super heated air discharged from the bolt of lightning. A single bolt of lightning can exceed 50,000 degrees F -- that's three times hotter than the sun.

Most lightning related casualties occur during the summer months and during the afternoon and early evening. In Wisconsin between 1959 and 1999, lightning killed 49 people ranking Wisconsin 29th in the country for lightning-related deaths.

In those same years 230 people were injured by lighting, giving Wisconsin a ranking of 19th in the country for lightning-related injuries.

Here are some other interesting lightning facts:

• Lightning's speed is 90,000 miles per second, 100,000,000 feet per second.
• The average thickness of a bolt is only 1-2 inches.
• Over the continental 48 states, an average of 20,000,000 cloud to ground lightning flashes are detected each year.

Who says lightning never strikes twice? It has hit one particular U.S. park ranger seven different times.

One quick way to find out the distance to lightning is to count the time between seeing a lightning flash and hearing the thunder. Five seconds equals one mile.

Never take chances with lightning. If a thunderstorm threatens take shelter.

The best protection from lighting is a sturdy structure, such as a home or business or a hard-topped vehicle with a steel frame. Stay away from metal objects in your home. Do not use the phone or other electrical appliances and stay away from windows.

Lightning is capable of traveling through power or phone lines, plumbing pipes and even through open windows.

Most lightning deaths and injuries occur when people are caught outdoors. If you are caught out in the open go to a low lying area and stay away from tall objects such as trees or poles. Never stay in or near water and get off golf courses or ball fields as quickly as possible.

If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stand on, end lightning may be about to strike you. Immediately squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands on your knees.

Make yourself the smallest target possible do not lie on the ground.

If lightning does injure someone they need prompt medical attention. Even though a lightning victim may be burned they do not carry an electrical current and helping them will not injure you.

When a group of people has been struck those that appear lifeless should be treated first.

Always monitor current and future weather conditions and keep up to date on the latest severe weather watches and warnings via noaa weather radio and your local TV and radio stations.

For additional severe weather information, visit the NWS's Web site.

SOURCE: NWS