11-11-2011, 07:33 AM
More strikes due to more development? as well as weather pattern changes.
Having spent a few years in the tropics at similar latitudes, I was astounded to see how little pro active lightening protection is done on this island - its not rocket science.
water conducts electricity effectively making any wet unprotected structure attractive to strikes. Those stories about "lightning balls" in structures is an indication that the lighting has no access to a good ground on its way out.
If it can not find a good ground to strike to - your grounded water (or propane -ouch) pipes will do.......
Having spent a few years in the tropics at similar latitudes, I was astounded to see how little pro active lightening protection is done on this island - its not rocket science.
water conducts electricity effectively making any wet unprotected structure attractive to strikes. Those stories about "lightning balls" in structures is an indication that the lighting has no access to a good ground on its way out.
If it can not find a good ground to strike to - your grounded water (or propane -ouch) pipes will do.......