This group of hikers in Aktau, Kazakhstan on the eastern shore of the Caspian Sea were understandably amused at seeing each others hair standing up while a strange buzzing sound emanated through the air but were completely oblivious to the imminent danger of a lightning strike.
This strange phenomenon occurs due to the rapid buildup of electric charge in the atmosphere, which can create a strong electric field around you. A tingling sensation may also be experienced, another telltale sign that electricity is in the air. If your hair stands on end, lightning is likely to strike very nearby and you should seek shelter immediately. If shelter is no available, the CDC advises the next best option is to crouch down with your feet together and get as low to the ground as possible (avoid lying flat as this increases your risk of being struck).
“If you feel your skin begin to tingle or your hair standing on end, this is due to the rapid build-up of static charge. This is Nature’s final warning. However, this is not a reliable indicator as many lightning strikes occur with no warning. If this happens, seek shelter immediately. DO NOT lie flat on the ground.”
National Weather Service Lightning Facts:
Over the past 30 years lightning has killed an average of more than 50 people per year. However, over the past 10 years, the average falls to 35 fatalities.
Approximately 300 additional injuries are documented each year, however, many injuries are not reported.
Eighty percent of lightning casualties are male.
Lightning can heat the air as high as 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit and may carry as much as 1,000,000 volts.
