Lightning Strikes Man in St. Clair County, Police Confirms

Lightning is like nature’s crazy light show. However, within its mesmerizing display lies potential dangers. Each year, numerous many people fall victim to lightning. Despite advancements in science and technology, we still can't control Mother Nature. Why? Because of its unpredictable nature. There are even stories of those who have survived a lightning strike bearing witness to its power.

According to the CDC, about 40 million lightning strikes hit the ground in the United States each year. But the odds of being struck by lightning in a given year are less than one in a million, and almost 90% of all lightning strike victims survive.

While the CDC says that Southeastern states are the most at risk when it comes to lightning strikes, it can also happen in Michigan. On Sunday, a 58-year-old man from Clinton Township was out gathering firewood and was struck by lightning while in an open field.

The St. Clair County Sheriff's Office released a statement about the incident. EMS rushed him to a nearby hospital, but due to the seriousness of his injuries, he was later transferred to a Flint hospital.  At the time of the lightning strike, there were intermittent storms and periods of heavy rain in the area.

Metro Detroit faced another round of Severe Weather on Sunday, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for parts of Wayne County. The warning highlighted potential hazards such as wind gusts of up to 50 mph, heavy rainfall, and even quarter-sized hail.

The concerns didn't end there, as Special Weather Statements were also released for areas north and east of Detroit, including Sterling Heights, Mount Clemens, and parts of St. Clair County. These statements warned of possible hail and winds ranging from 30 to 40 mph. This new warning followed severe storms that had hit Metro Detroit on Thursday, causing flooding and tree damage in some areas.

To add to the weather rollercoaster, blistering heat is expected to follow in the upcoming week, with temperatures soaring into the 90s for most of the week.

Thunderstorms can be both fascinating and scary, with their electrifying displays of lightning and booming thunder. However, not everyone knows that there are certain things you're not supposed to do when there’s a thunderstorm.

During the summer months, thunderstorms occur frequently due to the high humidity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 73 percent of lightning-related fatalities occur in June, July, and August. According to the National Weather Service, an excess of moisture in the atmosphere, atmospheric instability, and a triggering mechanism are the conditions that lead to thunderstorms. When these elements are combined, they can unleash a powerful symphony of heavy rainfall, thunder, lightning, strong winds, and even hail.

The American Red Cross has some advice on how to get ready for those wild summer thunderstorms. Taking preventive measures like subscribing to local government emergency alerts, equipping your home with backup batteries, and devising a family plan for hazardous weather situations can all prove invaluable during emergencies.

When it comes to thunderstorms, there are plenty of myths and misconceptions about what you should avoid doing. One of the most common misconceptions is that wearing rubber-soled shoes or being inside a car with rubber tires makes us immune to lightning strikes. Unfortunately, this couldn't be further from the truth. Lightning can still travel through the ground or the metal frame of a car, even if it has rubber tires.

Many people believe that as long as they're not directly under the storm cloud, they are safe from lightning strikes. However, lightning bolts can extend horizontally for significant distances, reaching as far as 10 miles away from the storm. And also keep in mind that trees, especially tall ones, are prime targets for lightning strikes due to their height and conductivity.

Along with getting prepared and knowing thunderstorm myths, you have to know what not to do during a thunderstorm.

Here are 5 things you should never do during a thunderstorm.

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