Lightning is a natural electrical discharge that occurs in the atmosphere, typically during thunderstorms. It involves the release of energy caused by the movement of charged particles within clouds or between clouds and the ground. This discharge creates a bright flash of light, which we see as a strike of lightning, and is often accompanied by thunder due to the rapid expansion of heated air. Lightning can occur in various forms, including cloud-to-ground, cloud-to-cloud, and intra-cloud flashes. It plays a significant role in the Earth’s atmospheric electricity and can have both beneficial and harmful effects, such as promoting the nitrogen process in soil and causing fires or damage when it strikes objects on the ground.
A fierce storm in Victoria caused widespread power outages for over 13,500 customers. Key towns affected included Benalla, Wodonga, Wangaratta, and Myrtleford. Lightning was identified as the main cause of…