Whenever there are thunderstorms, we tend to worry about the wind and the rain that comes with it, but many people have a terrible fear of the lightening that can be just as bad. There is a very real reason that lightening should be feared by everyone. Lightening is very unpredictable and no one ever knows where it will strike next. The new weather radar technology can show where there is a lot of lightening, but it will not show exactly what spot it will hit next.

One of the worst things that happen when lightening strikes in a dry wooded area is starting a wildfire. Wildfires can cause so much destruction once they ever get out of control. Wildfires can be difficult to contain because the fire departments may not have an adequate supply of water nearby. This is when they sometimes have to use bomber planes filled with water or fire retardant chemicals to help.

When wildfires are started, like the one that burned so many acres in Yellowstone National Park a few years ago, it can kill wildlife and destroy the countryside for years to come. This is thought to be one way that nature renews itself. Eventually the trees, grass, and flowers grow back and after some time it will all look normal again, but it does take many years.

When humans are in the path of wildfires, it can be deadly and destructive for them too. When homes are in the path, so many times there is nothing that can be done but watch them burn. Lightening is known to strike houses themselves and start a fire this way.

Some say that lightening never strikes in the same place twice, and it does not very often, but it has struck the same person more than once many times. It could be that these are just some very unlucky people, but then again if they have survived lightening striking them more than once, maybe they are very lucky after all.

It is important when there are storms that are producing lightening to stay indoors. If your grandmother ever told you to stay out of the shower or bathtub during a storm, you might do well to listen to her. Water and lightening do not mix and many people are struck outside because they are in or near water or metal. It is always important to always respect the weather because it can be deadly in so many ways and many times you can stay out of danger if you only use common sense.