When a Thunder Storm is Near

     If you are outside and you can hear thunder the storm is close enough to be dangerous. The best way to measure how far the lightning strike was is by counting off the distance between the lightning and thunder in seconds. The sound of thunder can travel one mile in five seconds. After you see the lightning began counting off the seconds. If, for example, you count ten seconds then the lightning was two miles away. Scientists say if you are less than six miles away you are in the high danger zone. This is because lightning can strike several miles away from a storm cloud.

Anycalculator Lightning Distance Calculator

Directions: Place the top number into the calculator below. Press the calculate miles button. The calculator will figure the number of miles for you. Your answer will appear in the lower box.

If you heard thunder seconds after the flash,

then the lightning was miles away. (Estimate Only)

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If you are outside and you can hear thunder the storm is close enough to be dangerous. The best way to measure how far the lightning strike was is by counting off the distance between the lightning and thunder in seconds. The sound of thunder can travel one mile in five seconds. After you see the lightning began counting off the seconds. If, for example, you count ten seconds then the lightning was two miles away. Scientists say if you are less than six miles away you are in the high danger zone. This is because lightning can strike several miles away from a storm cloud.