A Lightning Strike

Around 5:30am, I was awakened by a bright flash, along with a sonic boom unlike I've ever heard.  It heralded the start of a serious storm, with high winds, lots of lightning, thunder and rain.

Our neighbors informed us this evening that their oak tree, which is 20 feet from our bedroom, was struck by lightning.  That explained the sound.

Below are some pictures of the unlucky tree:

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Lightning Safety Week

The National Weather Service has established this week as Lightning Safety Week.  "When thunder roars, go indoors."  This is the catchy new phrase to help people remember this important aspect of lightning safety. 

According to the National Weather Service, "In the United States, an average of 54 people are reported killed each year."  They also go on to report that hundreds are injured, and suffer from long-term, debilitating symptoms, including, "Memory loss, attention deficits, sleep disorders, chronic pain, numbness, dizziness, stiffness in joints, irritability, fatigue, weakness, muscle spasms, depression, and more."

I have personally witnessed a lightning strike on an assistant soccer coach who was heading inside to safety.  He carried an umbrella, and it was struck by lightning halfway back.  He survived, although his umbrella wasn't as lucky.  His hair was rearranged in a new perm, but he was alert and conscious.

I have been out on rifle ranges at Ft. Benning, Georgia, sitting under rickety cover as all Hell broke loose around me.  Let's just say that getting hit by lightning is NOT on my bucket list!

Use the link above to check out some lightning safety tips.  A few minutes may be all you need to save your life, or the life of someone you love.

It's the Sheepdog Way.

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