Lightning Risk in the UK
LOCATION
Edgbaston
Birmingham
West Midlands
B15 2TT
United Kingdom
SPEAKER: Prof Derek Elsom, Professor Emeritus, Oxford Brookes University and TORRO.
ABSTRACT: Lightning as a UK weather hazard is explored, especially the risks facing people undertaking specific types of activities. The chances of surviving, if struck, are assessed and whether the survivor experiences minor, serious or life-changing impacts are considered. Various routes by which lightning may strike a person are discussed including the underestimated role of upward (non-attached) streamers and cloud-to-ground lightning discharges with two or more ground termination points. The UK lightning risk is compared with other countries and, aside from differences in cloud-to-ground flashes per unit area, factors causing fatalities to be so much greater in developing countries are discussed. Why the number of UK lightning fatalities has fallen markedly in the past century is also examined. Modern and historical myths about lightning – selfie sticks, smartphones, thunderbolts, mirrors and witchcraft – are explored and lightning safety advice reviewed.
SPEAKER: Prof Derek Elsom, Professor Emeritus, Oxford Brookes University and TORRO.
ABSTRACT: Lightning as a UK weather hazard is explored, especially the risks facing people undertaking specific types of activities. The chances of surviving, if struck, are assessed and whether the survivor experiences minor, serious or life-changing impacts are considered. Various routes by which lightning may strike a person are discussed including the underestimated role of upward (non-attached) streamers and cloud-to-ground lightning discharges with two or more ground termination points. The UK lightning risk is compared with other countries and, aside from differences in cloud-to-ground flashes per unit area, factors causing fatalities to be so much greater in developing countries are discussed. Why the number of UK lightning fatalities has fallen markedly in the past century is also examined. Modern and historical myths about lightning – selfie sticks, smartphones, thunderbolts, mirrors and witchcraft – are explored and lightning safety advice reviewed.