BOLT FROM THE BLUE GIVES NOAA LIGHTNING EXPERT A WAKE UP CALL

August 15, 2001 — Jim Lushine is the Warning Coordination Meteorologist for NOAA's National Weather Service Forecast Office in Miami.

Jim Lushine is a nationally recognized expert on lightning.

Jim Lushine is a lucky man.

He had just hit a great tee shot on the seventh hole of a golf course near his home when he saw lightning flash in the distance Monday afternoon. He quickly followed the advice he has given to others for years. "As soon as you see the lightning or hear the thunder, head for shelter immediately. The important thing is to act quickly and not hesitate," he said. (Click NOAA image of Jim Lushine for larger view.)

He just reached the shelter when lightning struck less than 50 feet away. He says it's one thing to study and warn people about the raw power and danger of lighting. It's quite another to experience it up close—and personal. "The air virtually exploded and the shock wave rattled my teeth. It was frightening. It's a reality check. No doubt about it."

After the danger passed, Lushine returned to the course, found his ball and finished the round with a three over par 75. He had this advice for other golfers. "Don't worry about your game. You can always hit a mulligan (free stroke) later. But lightning never gives a mulligan."

Each year, there are about 17 million lightning strikes in Florida. In an average year, 50 people are injured and 10 are killed by lightning in the state. This year, Florida strikes have already injured 47 and killed four people, but Lushine fears the numbers will increase as the population continues to grow. He reminds people that the lightning season won't end for at least a couple of months. "The wolf is at the door and people really have to think twice about going out in that kind of situation."

Lushine says a lot of people still have dangerous misconceptions about lightning. They think:

• It has to be raining.
• Lightning never strikes twice in the same place.
• Rubber boots will protect them.
• It only happens to other people.

"We try to dispel those kinds of myths. Getting to shelter immediately is the only way to be safe," he said.

In June, NOAA's National Weather Service, along with professional golfers Rocco Mediate and Vijay Singh, kicked off a nationwide lightning awareness campaign. Mediate was featured in a television public service announcement and, along with Singh, color posters.

Relevant Web Sites
NOAA's Lightning Awareness — contains survivor stories, graphics and media information

LIGHTNING KILLS, PLAY IT SAFE

Avoiding the Risks of Deadly Lightning Strikes — (You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader.)

NOAA's Storm Watch — Get the latest severe weather information across the USA

National Weather Warnings

USA Weather Threats

NOAA's Weather Page

NOAA Lightning Photos

Media Contact:
Ron Trumbla, National Weather Service Southern Region, (817) 978-1111 ext. 140

 

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